The South African Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) has invested about 18.9 million R18 in the development of two nanosatellites, which will raise awareness of marine domains in South Africa.
According to DSI, this is the first initiative in the country that seeks to provide communication services to the maritime industry. On the same subject : Global Software Defined Radio Market 2021 Industry Outlook, Comprehensive Insights, Growth and Forecast 2025 – Jumbo News.
Funding was channeled through the DSI’s Agency for Technological Innovation (TIA) at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), an institution that plays a leading role in South Africa’s growing space science and technology.
The statement said that over the years, the university has developed advanced nanosatellites and cube satellites (CubeSats), demonstrating advanced technological capabilities in the country’s space industry.
“South Africa needs a more strategic and coordinated approach to ensure optimal monitoring of coastal waters, including shipping within the country’s exclusive economic zone,” the agency said, adding that this would encourage awareness-raising. for maritime domains and enhanced maritime security.
The two nanosatellites in the marine industry will be powered by M2MSat technology, in the form of a modern VHD data exchange system (VDES), software-defined machine-to-machine (M2M) radio stations.
A software-defined radio system (SDR) uses software to modulate and demodulate radio signals, performing significant amounts of signal processing on a general-purpose computer.
“The technology brings flexibility, cost efficiency and the power to drive communications forward, with far-reaching benefits,” the department explained.
The technology will also allow the provision of complex analysis and ubiquitous positioning of high-value assets, as well as critical services, at a lower cost than the deployment of traditional satellite systems.
“Developed as a collaboration between CPUT and local company Stone Three Communications, M2MSat technology advances in modern space innovation, significantly improving CPUT’s ZACube-2 nanosatellite technology, which launches in 2018.”
In South Africa, the agency said, the space industry ecosystem – including support for space engineering programs, human capacity development, infrastructure investment and technological innovation – is part of the high-end infrastructure sectors that are crucial to economic recovery. the country.
“The development and commercialization of the M2MSat platform will position South Africa as a key contributor to space innovation worldwide, power in the space value chain, a growing partnership with industry and rapid monitoring of the creation and exploitation of space knowledge and. “
Meanwhile, plans are underway to develop Denel’s Overberg Test Range (OTR) in the Western Cape as a facility to launch future CubeSats developed by CPUT.
Earlier this month, researchers and students from the KwaZulu-Natal University Aerospace Systems Research Group successfully launched two-hybrid rockets as part of the Phoenix hybrid sounding rocket program.
“The successful launch showed that one of the test missiles traveled 17.9 km in the air, achieving a new African hybrid record for altitude, a huge success for South African engineering and the development of Africa’s ability to launch satellite rockets.”
The second missile made an altitude of over 10 km with a payload of CPUT. – SAnews.gov.za
Comments are closed.