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South Africa: Nanosatellite Launch Is a Big Step Forward for African Space Science
The Conversation Africa, 23 January 2022
South African space science had a big day on 13 January 2022. The Cape Peninsula University of Technology, based in Cape Town, launched its third satellite mission into space from… Read more »
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South Africa: SpaceX Rocket Lifts Off With South African Satellites On Board
VOA, 13 January 2022
A SpaceX rocket launch Thursday carried three small South African-made satellites that will help with policing South African waters against illegal fishing operations. Read more »
First Africa-Made Satellites Help Track Illegal Dumping, Fishing
January 13, 2022, the day where three South Africa produced nanosatellites were successfully launched into space will be remembered as a landmark moment not just for the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) and South Africa, but for the history of Africa's space technology. Built by a team of CPUT students, the nanosatellite constellation named MDASat is designed to collect data that will enhance the security and protection of South African marine resources.
MDASat, which is the first constellation of satellites developed and designed in Africa, will detect, monitor and identify foreign vessels within the South Africa's exclusive economic zone and could help track illegal dumping and fishing. This mission follows on from the successful development, launch and operation of two other nanosatellites namely ZACUBE-1, known as TshepisoSat, and ZACUBE-2's.
InFocus
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Nigeria has sponsored or co-sponsored six satellites, of which only two are currently operational. One of them is functioning even though it has passed its expiry date, according ... Read more »
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Near real-time data pinpointing tree losses is helping African countries tackle deforestation, a study finds. A system using satellite data to send free alerts when trees are ... Read more »
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According to Greenpeace, highly detailed satellite data has revealed that Mpumalanga Province in South Africa is the world's "worst" air pollution hotspot on the planet, due to its ... Read more »
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"Drones and satellites are helping African journalists to expose lies and shed light on underreported issues in regions that are largely inaccessible. But restrictive regulations ... Read more »
SpaceX's Falcon rocket launches from Cape Canaveral in the U.S. state of Florida on January 13, 2021. The mission, known as Transporter 3, deployed three South African nano-satellites.
