By Ayomide Otitoju
Nigeria will select its next space representative through a new community-driven astronaut program launched by the Space Exploration & Research Agency (SERA). The initiative, unveiled on Monday, introduces a blockchain-powered voting platform that allows citizens of Nigeria, India, Indonesia, Brazil, and Thailand to choose their own space representatives.
Unlike traditional astronaut programs that often require military experience or advanced academic qualifications, SERA’s “Mission Control” platform on Telegram offers open access for interested applicants from diverse backgrounds. Candidates will complete challenges to earn “SpaceDust” points, with final selections determined by transparent blockchain-based voting.
“After the success of SERA’s inaugural space flight in 2022, we’re scaling democratic space access to five nations simultaneously, plus a global seat,” said Joshua Skurla, SERA co-founder. “Nigeria’s seat means anyone, regardless of background, can represent their nation in space based on community choice.”
The model builds on SERA’s milestone of sending Victor Hespanha, South America’s first civilian astronaut, to space aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard. For Nigeria, the initiative represents the first structured pathway for a community-selected astronaut, expanding on past contributions to space exploration through the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA).
Dr. Matthew Olumide Adepoju, NASRDA Director-General, welcomed the initiative, saying it aligns with Nigeria’s vision to expand from satellite programs into human spaceflight. “SERA’s democratic approach ensures Nigerian representation reflects our diverse population’s aspirations,” he said.
Dr. Anne Agi, President of the Learnspace Foundation, which facilitated the partnership between NASRDA and SERA, added that the project would build bridges between communities, institutions, and industry, ensuring inclusivity in Nigeria’s space journey.
SERA’s system reserves six seats for an upcoming Blue Origin mission—five for the partner nations and one for global applicants. Alongside astronaut selection, the platform also hosts a Science Program where communities can propose and vote on experiments for space missions.
“SERA Mission Control represents space exploration reimagined for social media users,” said Max Crown, CEO of TON Foundation, which powers the blockchain infrastructure. “By launching on TON within Telegram, SERA transforms space travel from a distant concept into an interactive, community-driven experience.”
Since 1961, around 800 people have traveled to space, but none from Nigeria, India, Indonesia, or Thailand. SERA aims to change this by democratizing access to human spaceflight and ensuring representation from emerging nations.
