Earth Observation collects, processes, archives, and disseminates Earth observation data (principally from satellites) to support policy-making, decision-making, economic growth and sustainable development in South Africa. Their activities align with South African and global Earth observation strategies to provide data services and products that promote socioeconomic benefits, like environmental and resource management, disaster management and health. Data and value-added remote sensing services produced by the division are used for research and development, human capital development and science advancement in geo-informatics, image and data processing, and remote sensing.
Earth Observation collects, processes, archives, and disseminates Earth observation data (principally from satellites) to support policy-making, decision-making, economic growth and sustainable development in South Africa. Their activities align with South African and global Earth observation strategies to provide data services and products that promote socioeconomic benefits, like environmental and resource management, disaster management and health. Data and value-added remote sensing services produced by the division are used for research and development, human capital development and science advancement in geo-informatics, image and data processing and remote sensing.
Space Engineering develops, builds and tests systems and sub-systems for satellites. The aim is develop and launch South Africa’s own satellites, while growing the human and technological capacity for satellite development, and supporting a native South African satellite industry. Developing this capacity will catalyse a range of advanced manufacturing activities in South Africa, thereby driving socioeconomic development.
Space Engineering develops, builds and tests systems and sub-systems for satellites. The aim is develop and launch South Africa’s own satellites, while growing the human and technological capacity for satellite development and supporting a native South African satellite industry. Developing this capacity will catalyse a range of advanced manufacturing activities in South Africa, driving socioeconomic development.
Space Operations provides state-of-the-art and globally competitive ground station facilities and services for global launch activities. This includes satellite tracking, telemetry and command (TT&C), launch support, in-orbit testing, mission control and space navigation. SANSA ensures the presence of a world-class ground station on the African continent, and has been providing these services since the 1950s. The programme also conducts applied research, development and innovation in space operations and helps develop people in this sector.
Space Operations provides state-of-the-art and globally competitive ground station facilities and services for global launch activities. This includes satellite tracking, telemetry and command; other services included are launch support, in-orbit testing, mission control and space navigation. SANSA ensures the presence of a world-class ground station on the African continent, and has been providing these services since the 1950s. The programme also conducts applied research, development and innovation in space operations and helps develop people in this sector as well.
Space Science operates a wide range of infrastructure across southern Africa and in Antarctica, all dedicated to studying the Earth’s magnetic field, the Sun and the near-space environment. SANSA maintains several space science and space weather projects in Antarctica, as well as on Marion and Gough Islands, providing valuable space science data for national and international research. The Space Science programme also hosts the only Space Weather Warning Centre in Africa, providing early warnings and forecasts on space weather activity for public and private sector clients. This helps protect satellite technology, as well as communication and navigation systems in aviation and defence. These facilities form part of several global observation networks, and research at the programme focuses on fundamental and applied space physics research.
Space Science operates a wide range of infrastructure across southern Africa and in Antarctica, all dedicated to studying the Earth’s magnetic field, the Sun and the near-space environment. SANSA maintains several space science and space weather projects in Antarctica, as well as on Marion and Gough Islands, providing valuable space science data for national and international research. The Space Science programme also hosts the only Space Weather Warning Centre in Africa, providing early warnings and forecasts on space weather activity for public and private sector clients. This helps protect satellite technology, as well as communication and navigation systems in aviation and defence. These facilities form part of several global observation networks, and research at the programme focuses on fundamental and applied space physics research.
Human Capital Development is a strategic focus at SANSA, as growth and transformation of the industry in South Africa is a priority for Government. The agency also has an important role to play in growing and supporting academia and industrial skills development to ensure a sustainable and thriving space industry in South Africa.
Science engagement and outreach uses the excitement and mystery of space to create excitement and interest, increasing the number of students interested in studying Mathematics and Science at school and tertiary level, thus creating the future Space Agency leaders it needs and driving the South African knowledge economy forward.
