Cubesat send-off
MILESTONE: ZACUBE-1 will be launched in November.
Wednesday, 22 August 2012
CPUT is making history as it prepares to launch the continent's first cubesat, ZACUBE-1.
Developed by students and staff members ZACUBE-1 will be launched in mid-November from a Russian launch base.
But before it enters space, ZACUBE-1 will have to undergo a few more processes.
Next week the CubeSat will be sent to an institute in the Netherlands where it will be integrated with other CubeSats from across the world.
SEND-OFF: Researchers and government representatives watch on as a CPUT staff member and student package ZACUBE-1.
Once this process is completed, it will then be sent to Russia and injected in space at an altitude of 600km.
Speaking at the send-off ceremony, CPUT Vice-Chancellor, Prof Vuyisa Mazwi-Tanga says the development of the device is a milestone for the institution.
“We are making history as a university of technology in South Africa,” she says.
“What makes this more significant is that this work was not done by scientists out there, but by students and staff.”
Deputy Director for Research, Development and Innovation at the Department of Science and Technology, Dr Valanathon Munsami commended CPUT for its hard work.
During the past few years, F’SATI has received financial support for the development of the cubesat from the DST and the National Research Foundation.
Dr Munsami says the institution lived up to their expectations and delivered an innovative device.
The CubeSat’s main mission will be to collect information on space weather that will be used by the South African National Space Agency.
F’SATI Deputy-Director, Prof Robert van Zyl, says they are positive ZACUBE-1 will deliver on its mandate.
By Candes Keating
Written by CPUT News
Email: news@cput.ac.za
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