Nigeria Selects Hughes JUPITER Ground System for its Next-Generation of Satellites

Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited has selected the Hughes JUPITER ground system to support its planned NIGCOMSAT-2A and NIGCOMSAT-2B satellites, as Nigeria prepares to expand its national satellite communications infrastructure.

Hughes will supply a scalable gateway architecture supporting Ka-, Ku- and C-band capacity, with the system intended to deliver broadband connectivity for government, enterprise and consumer applications across Nigeria and the wider region. Ground infrastructure preparation is scheduled to begin in 2026, ahead of the satellites' targeted launches in early 2028 and 2029 respectively.

The agreement also includes an industrial component. Hughes plans to provide engineering assistance and technical guidance for the establishment of a satellite terminal assembly facility in Nigeria, potentially allowing NIGCOMSAT to manufacture and service more of its user equipment domestically rather than relying entirely on imported terminals.

NIGCOMSAT is positioning the programme as part of a broader effort to strengthen domestic satellite capabilities, including government and defence connectivity, local manufacturing and technical skills. The proposed facility could ultimately support production and servicing of satellite broadband terminals and antennas for other African markets as well as Nigeria.

The contract highlights the importance of the ground segment and local industrial capacity alongside investment in new spacecraft. By deploying the gateway infrastructure before NIGCOMSAT-2A and 2B reach orbit, NIGCOMSAT aims to have the network and terminal ecosystem in place to commercialise the satellites' multi-band capacity soon after launch.