Focus area 2: Space Science, Engineering and Technology
South Africa has become increasingly dependent on space-based applications to manage its national resources and security objectives. Space science is one of the five Grand Challenges defined by the Department of Science and Innovation to be addressed in its 10-Year Innovation Plan. The establishment of the South African National Space Agency signalled a formal approach to the development of space-based research and technology innovation in South Africa. Within this context, the Research Focus Area serves as a catalyst for expanding current research to fully leverage the societal benefits derived from multi-disciplinary, space-based services. The Research Focus Area is informed by national developmental imperatives, primarily the National Development Plan (NDP).
Institutional structures providing a solid foundation for growth of this Research Focus Area are:
- The French South African Institute of Technology (F’SATI)
- The Africa Space Innovation Centre (ASIC)
- The South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI) Chair in Innovative Small Satellite Technology and Applications for Africa
The following Research Niche Areas are currently associated with this Research Focus Area:
- Research Niche Area 1: Space Segment
- Research Niche Area 2: Space Applications
- Research Niche Area 3: Industrialisation of Space
- Research Niche Area 4: ICT for Space
- Research Niche Area 5: Space Science
Research Focus Area Leader:
Prof Innocent E Davidson - DavidsonI@cput.ac.za
