Government
The South African Government makes use of space technology and data for a wide range of activities and services. Global Navigation Satellite Systems, e.g. GPS, are used extensively for mapping and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) by the Departments of Transport, Agriculture, Land Affairs, Water Affairs and Forestry, and the SANDF among others. Apart from positioning systems, satellite imagery is indispensible for monitoring purposes - identifying water usage violations, monitoring fishing activities, and assisting in land usage efficiency and urban planning.
Satellite-enabled telecommunications are used by the Government to keep in touch with its Embassies and missions abroad, as well as locally for law enforcement purposes by the SAPS.
Internationally, South Africa is an active participant in the space arena. South African space professionals participate in numerous forums, such as the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS). South Africa has ratified and/or signed the following international space treaties governing the space activities of independent States:
- United Nations Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies (1967) (ratified by RSA)
- United Nations Agreement on the Rescue of Astronauts, the Return of Astronauts and the Return of Objects Launched into Outer Space (1968) (ratified by RSA)
- United Nations Convention on International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects (1972) (RSA signature only)
- Treaty Banning Nuclear Weapon Tests in the Atmosphere, in Outer Space and under Water (1963) (ratified by RSA)
- Agreement Relating to the International Telecommunications Satellite Organisation (1971) (ratified by RSA)
- Convention on the International Mobile Satellite Organisation (1976) (ratified by RSA)
- International Telecommunication Constitution and Convention (1992) (ratified by RSA)
The status of international agreements relating to activities in outer space as at 1 January 2005 is available here.
The COPUOS documents are available here.
The primary legislative instrument governing space activities in South Africa is the Space Affairs Act (Act 84 of 1993), as ammended by the Space Affairs Ammendment Act, No 64 of 6 October 1995.
Section 4 of the Space Affairs Act establishes a South African Council for Space Affairs to implement the regulatory, monitoring and registration functions of the Act.
The National Working Group on Space Science and Technology is an inter-departmental government initiative to coordinate and promote the study and peaceful uses of outer space for the benefit of South Africa and all its people. The Working Group comprises representatives from the Department of Communications, the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Trade and Industry, and the Department of Science and Technology, as well as representatives from various space-related organisations in the country.
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