Directorate of Launch Services and Space Operations
The Directorate of Launch Services and Space Operations (DLSO) is an operational directorate in Defence Space Administration (DSA) responsible for the research, tests and conduct of rocketry launch activities.
Director of Launch Services and Space Operations
Air Vice Marshal John Ayodeji Laoye is a highly accomplished officer of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) with over 28 years of distinguished service. A seasoned engineer and strategic leader, he has consistently combined his technical expertise with operational command to contribute significantly to national defense. Commissioned as a Regular Combatant Officer in 1995 from the 42 Regular Combatant Course, he has steadily risen through the ranks, achieving the rank of Air Vice Marshal in December 2022. AVM Laoye's career is marked by a unique blend of high-level engineering proficiency and strategic leadership. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, a Master of Science in Thermal Power (Aerospace Propulsion) from Cranfield University, and a Master of Science in National Security and War Studies from the National Defence University, Islamabad, Pakistan. This diverse academic background has enabled him to excel in a variety of command and staff roles, including: Senior Leadership & Command where successfully commanded multiple engineering and logistics units, including the 631 ACMD, ensuring the operational readiness and technical excellence of various NAF formations. For his Strategic Contributions, AVM Laoye has served in multiple high-level staff appointments at HQ NAF, where he played a pivotal role in shaping policy, training frameworks, and resource deployment strategies for the Air Force. Notably, he held the key appointment of Director of Procurement twice, from 2018 to 2020 and again from 2022 to 2023. Additionally, as Director of Aircraft Engineering, he was responsible for the oversight of all NAF platforms and was involved in the selection and induction of new aircraft. For his Technical & Operational Experience, He is a licensed Aircraft Mechanic with both the USA Federal Aviation Authority and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority. He has extensive practical and managerial experience on a wide range of aircraft, including the Boeing 737NG series, Gulfstreams (GII, GIV, G550), Falcons 7X, C-130H Hercules, and the Dornier 228 series. AVM Laoye has been a key contributor to capacity-building efforts at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) and the Air Force Research & Development Centre (AFRDC), fostering innovation and technical knowledge transfer among officers and airmen. He has a Proven ability to seamlessly integrate deep engineering knowledge with effective operational leadership. AVM Laoye has a track record of mentoring junior officers and fostering technical capacity within the NAF. He is respected for his integrity, discipline, and unwavering commitment to service excellence.
Chronicle of Directors
About the Directorate
The Directorate of Launch Services and Satellite Operations (DLSO) is an operational directorate in Defence Space Administration (DSA) responsible for the research, tests and conduct of rocketry launch activities. The Directorate is also saddled with the obligations of coordinating and spear heading all indigenous and cross-border space operations leaned to the Administration. It is responsible for establishing key laboratories such as propulsion laboratories, chemical measuring machines,foundry and mechanical workshops among others.
Roles
a. Satellite launches.
b. Design and development of rockets
c. Launch pads acquisition and design.
d. Manufacture and custody of propellants
e. Launch of test and sounding rockets for experiments
f. Monitoring space for continuous information on disposition of satellites, space debris, asteroids and other harmful matters.
g. Ensure surveillance of entire vertical expanse including the atmosphere, near earth orbit and beyond.
h. Carry out multi-sensor data fusion for integration of satellite imagery with other data derived from airborne sensors such as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles(UAVs).
i. Co-ordinate astronautics training and operations for space explorations.
Achievements
The DLSO has had 5 rocket launches since its inception. The last launch was carried out on 27 Feb 19. The rocket launch was a success as the rocket performed in line with the theoretical estimations from the design stage. Preparations are on for the next launch. The Directorate is vigorously building capacities of its personnel, 12 of which graduated from the first DSA/NARSDA/NIGCOMSAT organized Basic Space Course held in NARSDA. The DLSO is on track working towards other aspects of its responsibilities.
