South Africa Archives

2013 – Additional Country Space Budgets

Around the globe, many smaller nations—whether in terms of economy or population size—are investing in space projects or programs. Exhibit 2cc shows the most recent available yearly budget for civil space activities in a number of selected emerging space states. Each of these countries tends to feature a different focus in its space investment portfolio, so care must be taken in making generalizations.

Perspective – TSR 2013

Perspective - TSR 2013 covers topics that include space policy, space as a tool in international trade and development, building space infrastructure, and spaceports as an economic engine.

2012 – Ground Observatories, Astronomy

Astronomers are laying the groundwork for a new generation of extraordinarily large observatories. The Square Kilometer Array (SKA) Telescope will be the world’s largest and most sensitive radio telescope ever built. The SKA takes its name from the combined size of the collecting area of the thousands of individual dishes that comprise it, making it far more sensitive than any existing radio telescope.

2012 – South African Government Space Budget

In FY 2012, which ran from April 1, 2012, to March 31, 2013, the government of South Africa planned to spend an estimated ## million rand (US$## million) on space activities. The South African National Space Agency (SANSA) planned an FY 2012 budget of ## million rand (US$## million). South Africa is also investing in space science elsewhere in its budget. In FY 2012, the Department of Science and Technology planned investment of ## million rand (US$## million) in its space science research program, including ## million rand (US$## million) for the Square Kilometer Array (SKA) program, a large-scale international radio telescope project.

South African Space-based Internet

Satellite internet is a suitable alternative to conventional cellular and ground-based internet for businesses and farmers operating in remote or difficult-to-reach areas. In 2012, MWEB Business launched a new satellite internet service in South Africa that is designed to benefit farmers, game lodge owners, mining and construction companies, and other customers in areas of the country where conventional services are unavailable. Satellite-based services are also immune to cable theft, a common problem in many developing areas, which can affect the availability of fixed-line communication infrastructure in the region.

Greater Grape Yields in South Africa, Using Less Water

Vineyards in South Africa recently began using satellite data to increase the yield of grape harvests and produce higher quality wine while using less water. The GrapeLook service provided by a company called WaterWatch was developed in collaboration with ESA, the University of KwaZulu-Natal, and the Department of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries in South Africa.

Astronomers Reach Out to Developing World

The importance of space as a driver for education also extends to other parts of the world. The International Astronomical Union (IAU) has begun implementing a strategic plan titled “Astronomy for the Developing World.” The resulting Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD) is hosted at the South African Astronomical Observatory. The OAD uses the scientific, technological, and cultural benefits of astronomy as a development tool by soliciting and funding project proposals, hosting visiting experts, and organizing a variety of astronomy-themed educational events.

2012 – Space as a Tool of International Trade and Development

Space, Development, and International Trade in Africa Africa’s space sector typifies the dynamics at play in the intersection of space, trade, and development. The African continent is expanding the scale and scope of investments in its space sector. This expansion will include the development of a… Thank you for visiting The Space Report! The Authoritative…

Economy: Space Economy – TSR 2012

Economy: Space Economy - TSR 2012 an annual review of the commercial space infrastructure and support industries and space-based products and services used on Earth. This edition also delves into the…

2011 – South African Government Space Budget – Snapshot

Space activities in South Africa are funded through the Department of Science and Technology (DST). In FY 2011, which ran from April 2011 to March 2012, the DST planned to spend ## million rand (US$## million) on space activities executed through two programs: the South African National Space Agency (SANSA) and the Space Science Research, Development and Innovation subprogram. SANSA, established in 2008, planned an FY 2011 budget of ## million rand (US$## million).