29 May Launch of pioneering nanosatellite marks a giant leap for SA’s high hopes in space
On 27 December 2018, South Africa celebrated a landmark achievement in space science with the launch of ZACube-2, the continent’s most advanced nanosatellite, developed under the leadership of the Department of Science & Technology and housed at Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT).
Funded to the tune of R16.5 million and launched from Russia, ZACube-2 was designed for real-time monitoring of natural disasters and maritime domain awareness, playing a vital role in Operation Phakisa’s oceans economy goals. It marked the next step toward building South Africa’s space capacity, supporting a future MDASat constellation of nine nanosatellites for continuous coastal surveillance.
A key success of the project has been its focus on transformation, with 70% of the engineers involved being Black, and Black- and women-owned companies, such as Luvhone, playing an integral role in satellite assembly, testing, and ground station operations. As the country aims to become a space-faring nation, the ZACube-2 programme represents the growing influence and capability of South Africa’s local space industry.
Read the full story to see how Luvhone is shaping the space-faring future of the country on Times Live