South Africa continues its space development, particularly in maritime surveillance

From Cape Canaveral in the United States, South Africa launched three nano-satellites on the afternoon of January 13 via a SpaceX rocket. These are the first pieces of equipment in the new South African constellation of maritime domain surveillance satellites called MDASat. They were built locally, at the African Center for Space Innovation at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT).

The MDASat constellation will ultimately consist of nine nano-satellites that will detect, identify and monitor ships in near real-time to support the protection of South Africa’s maritime domain. The country intends to share the information collected with other countries in the region that have a seafront.

Blade Nzimande, South Africa’s Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, said his department has invested 27 million rand ($1.76 million) over three years in developing the constellation.

Beyond the acquisition of the materials essential for the construction of the equipment, the budget granted by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation was also used for the training of the personnel who take part in the constellation project. . To this end, a human capital development framework has been established at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology. “Through this program, students learn engineering principles using CubeSats as training tools,” said Blade Nzimande.

The launch of the three nano-satellites comes three years after the launch of ZACube-2, billed as the most advanced South African nano-satellite to date. It had been developed as a technology demonstrator for the MDASat constellation.

Before the launch of the first nano-satellites, Blade Nzimande pointed out that the constellation will allow South Africa to consolidate its leading position in the development of small satellites on the continent.