Former NASA Astronaut Inspires Western Cape's Developing Communities with South Africa's Space Industry

By Sinenjabulo Mgade -May 22, 2023

The South African National Space Agency (SANSA), NewSpace Systems, CubeSpace, Simera Sense, CubeCom, and CubeCom collaborated to organize Space Day 2023, a STEM outreach event conducted on May 19 at Stellenbosch University.

According to the event synopsis offered by NewSpace Systems, the gathering of about 300 students from the Western Cape area gave them a special chance to interact with experienced STEM role models and obtain insightful knowledge about pursuing a career in space.

The keynote speech by retired NASA astronaut Nicole Stott, who shared her experiences and insightful insights on what it takes to become an astronaut and succeed in the space business, was the highlight of Space Day 2023. Then eminent business speakers provided viewpoints from the technical, engineering, and business domains, enhancing the students' knowledge and comprehension of the sector.

The students also had the opportunity to meet with Stellenbosch University personnel, who offered professional advice on pursuing STEM areas and described the many career options accessible within the space industry.

“James Barrington-Brown, the founder of NewSpace Systems and one of the event's major sponsors, said, "We are excited to bring together such a varied collection of students and industry leaders for Space Day 2023. Through this fascinating event, "we hope to inspire and excite the future generation of space explorers and inventors."

The rich and dynamic space heritage of South Africa demonstrates the country's dedication to technological and scientific growth. The establishment of the Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory, which was essential in advancing international space communication, marked the start of the nation's space program in the 1950s.

With the emergence of commercial space firms, spin-off businesses from universities, and the growth of the South African National Space Agency (SANSA), which promoted research, development, and international cooperation, South Africa's space capabilities grew throughout time.

Notably, South Africa made significant contributions to astronomy by constructing the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT), the largest single optical telescope in the Southern Hemisphere. Furthermore, the country’s MeerKAT radio telescope, an integral part of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project, promises to revolutionise radio astronomy. South Africa’s space heritage reflects its dedication to scientific exploration and positions the nation as a critical player in global space endeavours.

About NewSpace Systems

Most the world's spacecraft manufacturers, including several blue-chip companies and constellations of 500 satellites and more, are supported by New Space Systems, a leading manufacturer and exporter of ADCS satellite components and subsystems. New Space Systems also makes significant contributions to the international space industry.

What is Cube Space?

An aerospace business that specializes in attitude control and determination systems is called CubeSpace. We have sent more than 2200 ADCS components to 240 small satellites for 140 international clients. We provide modular, low-power ADCS components with class-leading performance.

Regarding Simera Sense

Innovative hyperspectral imaging technology is being offered by Simera Sense, a South African business, for a variety of uses, including environmental monitoring and precision agriculture.

What CUBECOM is

A South African business called CUBECOM develops dependable, fast communication technologies for data-intensive satellite missions.

The business's ground-breaking technology is assisting in enhancing the accessibility, affordability, and adaptability of data transfer in space communication.

The SANSA

The national space agency in South Africa, SANSA, is in charge of coordinating and advancing space science and technology. The organization is essential to developing the nation's space capabilities and developing new business prospects in the space sector.

Please get in touch with Ané Kotze, marketing lead at NewSpace Systems, for media requests and more details.