ZA002 Small Satellite Programme

In October 2005 at the start of World Space Week, the Minister of Science and Technology, Mr Mosibudi Mangena, announced that South Africa would be embarking on a 3-year integrated capacity building and satellite development project.

This represents an investment of R26 million from 2005 through 2008 and the programme entails the procurement of a mission ready satellite, research and capacity building. The University of Stellenbosch will be responsible for managing the project, the associated post-graduate training and scientific research in aspects of satellite engineering and software development. The University has also subcontracted services from SunSpace to build the satellite, and SAC for satellite tracking and monitoring operations.

Keep an eye on the right hand navigation menu for announcements and opportunities relating to this programme. There was a naming competition for high school learners to find a good name for this satellite, and the winner will be announced shortly.

So what will our satellite do for us?

Satellite images show the effect of drought on vegetation and crops, as seen in these images of the Western Cape from 2002 and 2003. Picture courtesy of NASA.

Earth observing satellites provide essential data for scientists and researchers, upon whose results government decisions are made which affect many aspects of our daily lives. This particular satellite has capabilities optimised for agricultural applications.

Click here for more information on data fomats, coverage and availability.

Spaceborne sensors yield valuable data which is combined with measurements taken on the ground, and appropriately processed and modelled. These efforts can result in increasingly accurate crop assessments, production forecasts and other important information which ultimately contribute to better food security and sustainable livelihoods in the agricultural sector of our economy. Follow these links to find out more about the work of the Agricultural Research Council and the National Department of Agriculture.