CPUT’s nano-satellite research has caught the attention of the Bavarian government and a recent symposium explored ways of leveraging this interest.
The symposium saw a delegation of Bavarian government officials and academics meeting their South African counterparts at CPUT’s Bellville campus to discuss nano-satellite Earth Observation Applications as Catalyst for International Collaboration as well as view the facilities at CPUT’s French South African Institute of Technology (F'SATI).
The partners in the collaboration are CPUT, F’SATI, Stellenbosch University, Cube Space, the South African Department of Science and Technology, the Bavarian government and universities, the National Research Foundation and the South African National Space Agency.
Dr John Volmink, CPUT’s Acting Vice-Chancellor, said Space Science Engineering and Technology is one of the university’s research focus areas.
Volmink added that the university’s satellite programme has been supported by the national government.
Prof Robert van Zyl, head of F’SATI at CPUT said marine protection and ocean governance is one of the four critical areas which were explored by the South African government to unlock the potential of the country’s vast coastline.
Amal Khatri, Executive Director at South African National Space Agency (SANSA) said low-cost satellites are more viable and have better access to funding.
“There is a need to invest in nano-satellites,” added Khatri.
Written by Kwanele Butana
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