Back into the seminar space
PARTNERSHIP: (l-r) Attache for Science and Technology and the French Embassy Dr Jean-Paul Toutain; Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Technology, Innovation and Partnerships Prof Marshall Sheldon; and Head of Airbus South Africa Martin Sefzig
Thursday, 22 November 2018
The CPUT Satellite Programme recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Airbus about presenting technical seminars on the university campus.
The Satellite Programme’s partnership with Airbus dates back to 2009 when the programme was first established with government support through the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
French South African Institute of Technology Director Prof Robert van Zyl explained under that first MoU, Airbus Defence and Space (then EADS Astrium) presented technical seminars by their senior engineers during the F’Sati Space Industry Seminar series.
The most recently signed MoU will facilitate the continuation of these industry seminars. The two parties wanted to rework their agreement to mention they would work together in the frame of the CPUT Space engineering and CubeSat programmes. The agreement sets out the terms under which the two parties will co-operate to perform activities for the education and training of the next generation of South African space engineers, promote the Satellite engineering programme and support the setting up and implementation of the South African Space mission.
“The seminars have been very popular, attracting participants from all spheres of the industry, namely academic, industry, government, and not only from South Africa, but the region as well,” said Van Zyl.
The Satellite Programme has since its establishment matured into an internationally recognised and nationally strategic centre that develops skills vital to the national and regional space industries. CPUT’s second nano-satellite ZACube-2 is due to be launched into outer space on 25 December.
“Africa is also at an exciting junction of its space programme, having adopted the African Space Policy and Strategies. Formalising partnerships with a global leader in the space industry such as Airbus strengthens our ability to provide our students with an international perspective on the space industry and exposes our space industry to global technology trends,” said Van Zyl.
He thanked Airbus for their continued commitment to F’Sati and CPUT specifically and the industry at large. “We also want to take this opportunity to thank DST and its agencies for their unwavering support.”
Written by Theresa Smith
Email: smitht@cput.ac.za
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