Researchers at CPUT are planning to take innovation to another level with the development of the institution’s first satellite.

During the next two years, postgraduate students, specialising in Satellite Systems Engineering, will build a nano satellite.

This venture into space science and technology is being backed by the National Research Foundation, who recently approved funding of R21 million for the Satellite Systems Engineering Programme.

The rollout of the programme comes just months after former South African President Kgalema Motlanthe signed the SouthAfrican National SpaceAgency Bill that will drive space-related activities.

Prof Robert van Zyl, who will drive CPUT’s space activities, said with the Bill in place, the institution saw an opportunity to develop students for the South African Space Industry.

“The new Space Policy opens up opportunities for our students. This will be a viable industry in the future,” he said.

The programme is based in the French South African Institute of Technology (F’SATI), a specialised unit at CPUT that focuses on Electronic Engineering.

The students will work alongside Prof van Zyl, F’SATI staff members and several external specialists, developing the satellite. A network of collaborators, including the Hermanus Magnetic Observatory, the Space Applications Centre, EADS ( France ), and ClydeSpace ( Scotland ) are some notable partners in this venture.

“This is a very ambitious project, but we will succeed,” he said.

Prof van Zyl said they will develop a CubeSat, which will measure 30 by 10 by 10 cm and will weigh three kg.

If all goes as planned, the satellite will be completed in 2011.

It will then be showcased at the International Astronomical Federation Conference, which will be held in Cape Town in October 2011.

“We already have commitment from the European Space Agency to facilitate the launch of the satellite,” said Prof Van Zyl.

The programme has also received backing from the Department of Science and Technology ( DST ), which has listed space science and technology as one of its grand challenges.

According to a 10 year plan drafted by the DST , South Africa must grow the local satellite industry and increase research, development and innovation in space science.

Dr Thandi Mgwebi, director of the NRF Human Capacity Programme, said to ensure this industry thrives in South Africa , higher education institutions must develop human capacity in the space arena .

She said F’SATI, which has a strong focus on innovation, can contribute to developing skills in this area.

Dr Chris Nhlapo, CPUT deputy vice-chancellor for Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships, said CPUT wants to be at the forefront in contributing to the implementation and success of South Africa ’s National Space Strategy.

By Candes Keating
Photograph: Prof Robert van Zyl, who will drive CPUT’s space activities with students enrolled in programmes offered at the French South African Institute of Technology.
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In an effort to build on and explore partnerships and capacity building in the field of space, the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) Space Science and Technology (SST) Chief Directorate and the Department of Defence (DoD) visited the Space facility infrastructure in the Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment (FEBE) recently.

The two government departments were at CPUT to conceptualise and co-design space programmes that are relevant to the national imperatives and societal needs.  The delegation also included delegations from the South African National Space Agency (SANSA) and Armscor.

In his welcoming speech,  Vice-Chancellor, Prof Chris Nhlapo, said: “We acknowledged that the challenges facing the global community are getting more complex and interdependent and thus global partnership between universities, business, industry and government are essential elements for the success of any institution.  Partnership/collaboration, however, is not a given, collaborate or collapse,” Nhlapo continued.

“The facility you are visiting today owes its success to the CPUT, DSI, The French South African Institute of Technology (F’SATI) that was jointly developed by French and South African Governments, National Research Foundation (NRF) and SANSA.”

The Vice-Chancellor emphasised that it is a mandate of the institution to produce adaptable graduates who are solution driven and can respond to socio-economic challenges. Nhlapo further reiterated the importance of collapsing the boundaries within collaborations to strengthen strategic partnerships and initiatives. He said these can be achieved through continuous engagements with various stakeholders. “We managed to look beyond the hype and mania associated with 4IR (not to mention fear, uncertainty, and doubt.

Nhlapo said universities cannot protect jobs which are made redundant by technology – “but they do have a responsibility to their people”. “Protect people (upskilling) not jobs,” he remarked.

“If technology is killing jobs, then it is only technology [that] can save them.  It is the new equation, and we must solve it.”

Research Technology Innovation and Partnerships Assistant Dean, Prof Veruscha Fester and Dr Angus Brandt – FSATI/ASIC, provided an overview of the FEBE and Satellite Programme. Acting Chief Engineer, Nyameko Royi facilitated a tour of the space facilities.

SST Chief Director, Humbulani Mudau acknowledged the continuous partnership DSI has with CPUT. Mudau pointed out that they brought DoD, SANSA and Armscor to allow the opportunity to engage with engineering to understand CPUT requirements. Manager Research Uptake: Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships, Dr Nelisiwe E. Maleka, added that the key message from the engagements “was that creating access to space and building viable indigenous programme is critical for our country”. “Therefore, a need exists to create opportunities within the field of space and explore other ways of increasing SMMEs [small, micro, and medium enterprises], business development and entrepreneurship. Meanwhile SANSA acting CEO, Andiswa Mlisa, said: “More women should be encouraged to join the field of space because transformation is key.”

 It is envisaged that this is a continuing and progressive partnerships between delegates and CPUT.

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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CPUT has made its mark on the global space arena with the unveiling of South Africa’s first CubeSat.

The CubeSat, ZACUBE-01, which measures 30x10x10 cm and weighs approximately three kilograms was unveiled on Friday at the French South African Institute of Technology (F’SATI), a specialised unit at CPUT’s Bellville campus.

Dr Sandile Malinga, CEO of the newly established South African Space Agency (SANSA), said the unveiling of the CubeSat is a significant milestone for South Africa, which is aiming to become a key player in the global space science and technology industry.

The CubeSat was developed by 50 students following F’SATI’s Satellite Engineering Programme and staff members. This postgraduate programme, which is backed by the Department of Science and Technology and the National Research Foundation, aims at developing the human potential and intellectual capacity needed to grow South Africa’s space industry.

Malinga commended CPUT for the rollout of the programme and for being on the forefront of developing space and satellite skills in the country.

“Our country is challenged in terms of skills and our government has set an ambitious goal of creating more jobs. I believe that space science has an important role in contributing to this goal,” he said.

F’SATI Deputy-Director, Professor Robert van Zyl, who is driving CPUT’s space activities, said students are currently involved in the development of a second CubeSat – ZACUBE-02, which will be unveiled in 2013.

If all goes as planned, ZACUBE-01 will be launched early next year and used for space science experiments. Its activities will be monitored by the ground station, which has been set up at FSATI’s premises on the Bellville campus.

ZACUBE-01 will be exhibited at the International Astronomical Federation Conference, which will take place this week at the Cape Town International Convention Centre,

By: Candes Keating

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Researchers at CPUT are taking innovation to another level with the development of South Africa’s first CubeSat - a type of miniature satellite.

The CubeSat, ZACUBE-01, will be unveiled on Friday, 30 September 2011 at the French South African Institute of Technology (F’SATI), a specialised unit at CPUT’s Bellville campus that focuses on satellite engineering.

“This is a significant milestone for our institution, and country,” said F’SATI Deputy-Director, Professor Robert van Zyl, who is driving CPUT’s space activities.

The CubeSat, which measures 30x10x10 cm and weighs approximately three kilograms, was built by staff members and postgraduate students specialising in F’SATI’s Satellite Systems Engineering Programme.

This postgraduate programme, which is backed by the Department of Science and Technology and the National Research Foundation, aims at developing the human potential and intellectual capacity needed to grow South Africa’s space industry.

Offered as a postgraduate course, the programme covers the broad fields of satellite communication, embedded and power systems, as well as electric and magnetic compatibility studies.

The building of CubeSats forms an integral part in the programme, providing students with the exposure and discipline they will need to work on bigger satellites in industry.

Prof van Zyl said currently they are involved in the development of a second CubeSat, ZACUBE-02, which they plan to unveil in 2012.

If all goes as planned, ZACUBE-01 will be launched early next year and used for space science experiments. Its activities will be monitored by the ground station, which has been set up at FSATI’s premises on the Bellville campus.

ZACUBE-01 will be showcased at the International Astronomical Federation Conference, which will be held in Cape Town in early October.

By: Candes Keating

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The profile of CPUT’s French South African Institute of Technology (F’Sati) has been raised enormously following the Institute’s first Industry Seminar and Exhibition for 2011, held in Cape Town recently. Deputy Director, Prof Robert van Zyl, says F’Sati’s ability to bring key stakeholders in South Africa’s burgeoning space industry together is now unparalleled.

The Departments of Science and Technology (DST) and Trade and Industry (DTI), the National Research Foundation, the South African National Space Agency, leading international space scientists, industry, as well as CPUT’s budding satellite engineers were all present at the high-profile gathering, and, says Prof van Zyl, their feedback has been phenomenal.

"It’s been extremely gratifying to hear praise from delegates about the high levels of technical proficiency we possess. It’s also great to see how our seminars, held three times a year, are growing in scope, content and reputation. In the past, our seminars dealt mainly with technical issues. Now we facilitate seminars which appeal to the whole spectrum of role-players in the Aerospace and Space industries, from Cube-sat workshops, to opportunities for entrepreneurs, to dedicated sessions on space policy and law from a South African perspective."

Deputy Director of F'Sati, Prof Robert van Zyl, with F'sati's Administrative Officer, Cindy Engel, and Local Organising Committee member for the upcoming IAC in October, Margaret Kumalo.

F’Sati’s Chief Technical Architect, Francois Visser agrees. “To expose our students, and ourselves, to these 'big guns', such as EADS Astrium’s Thomas Schirmann, has been an invaluable experience. Astrium is a leading European space company and Schirmann is their Chief Engineer in the Satellite division. Listening first-hand to an engineer of this stature, the man who was instrumental in building the Venus Express, was a magnificent opportunity,” says Visser. 

F’Sati’s Operations Manager and tireless organiser of the seminar, Ian van Zyl, adds that for F’Satis’ students, the opportunity to network and interact with SA’s small space community was fantastic.
“Not only are we giving our students the tools to start their own businesses, but we’re also facilitating interaction with industry so they can forge links for the future."

Excited pupils from Luhlaza High School, who were taught the basics of satellite construction at the seminar.

"And we are very proud of our outreach and awareness programme, where a group of pupils from Luhlaza High are taught how to build mock-satellites. We also teach them a little about satellite and orbital dynamics. This is an important part of our mission to publicise our courses and the wonderful opportunities that are available to bright graduates here at F’Sati."

Prof van Zyl is already looking ahead to F’Sati’s premier event to be held on the 30th September. The three-day Cubesat workshop at CPUT will play host to international delegates from Africa, Europe and the United States. But before this milestone is reached, he’s expressed his deep thanks and appreciation to the sponsors of F’Sati’s first industry seminar for 2011. These include the Aerospace Industry Support Initiative, Eads Astrium, the DTI and the DST.

By Jan Weintrob.

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ZACUBE-1 is on the first leg of its journey from South Africa to the Netherlands.

Developed by staff and students at French South African Institute of Technology (F’SATI), ZACUBE-1 is Africa’s first nanosatellite and will be launched into space this November from a launch base in Russia.

The satellite carries a scientific experiment from the South African National Space Agency’s Directorate in Hermanus, which will allow it to collect information that will be used by scientists to gain an understanding of space weather and its impact on communication technology.

Earlier this week, the nanosatellite was packaged by F’SATI staff, under the watchful eye of a customs official and courier agent.

Measuring 10x10x10 and weighing just over one kilogram, ZACUBE-1 was sealed in a specialised container and packaged in a custom-built case. The case was carefully placed into a wooden crate that was sealed with metal bands.

On Thursday the package will be flown to the Netherlands, where it will be delivered to Innovative Solutions In Space (ISIS), a launching agent located in Delft.

Here, ZACUBE-1 will undergo a “satellite checkout” by F’SATI staff members Charles Jooste and Leon Steenkamp.

Jooste says this process, which will take place on 2 September, is one of the final critical processes that ZACUBE-1 will undergo.

“A satellite checkout involves taking the satellite out of the packaging and placing it in a pod (specialised box) with other satellites,” says Jooste.

The cluster of satellites will then make their way to Russia, where they will be attached to the launch vehicle.

Written by Candes Keating
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Provides coverage for the Engineering and Applied Sciences Faculties; the Bellville and Wellington Campuses, and research and innovation news.

Today (21 November) marks four years since the launch of CPUT’s TshepisoSAT (code-named ZACUBE-1) from Yasny Launch Base in Russia.

“At four years, ZACUBE-1 has far exceeded the average lifespan of a typical CubeSat, and demonstrates the unique capabilities of the CPUT satellite development team,” says Prof Robert van Zyl, Director of the French South African Institute of Technology (F’SATI) and the Africa Space Innovation Centre.The launch of TshepisoSAT was an historic event that has led to a cascade of developments spearheaded by the F’SATI

They include the development and marketing internationally of advanced CubeSat radio systems to an expanding customer base. More than a hundred such systems have been exported, many of which are currently deployed on CubeSats orbiting in space. Cutting-edge technologies for ship tracking and forest fire detection are also being developed by the team in partnerships with leading South African companies.

The F’SATI team is currently working on ZACUBE-2, which will be launched in May 2018. This mission is funded by the Department of Science and Technology and the South African National Space Agency, and will be the most advanced South African CubeSat to date. The satellite is a precursor mission for constellations of CubeSats that will provide maritime communications in support of Operation Phakisa. The satellite ground station on the roof of the DEECE building will be upgraded in preparation for the launch of ZACUBE-2.

CPUT is also recognised internationally as a hub for CubeSat development and operations. PlanetLabs, a US-based global player in the CubeSat industry, has recently contracted the university to provide ground support for its missions. PlanetLabs manages more than 200 CubeSats in space and requires ground support from stations dotting the globe. “The technical support we provide to PlanetLabs missions will provide fertile ground for learning. We’re also ensuring a third stream income for the university through providing services to industry,” says Van Zyl.

If you are interested in joining the dynamic F’SATI team, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. We offer undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate training in our state of the art laboratories.

Written by Abigail Calata

The South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (SAASTA) is calling on high school learners to name ZACUBE- 1, South Africa’s first nanosatellite.

Developed by staff and students at the French South African Institute of Technology (F’SATI) at CPUT, ZACUBE-1 will be launched into space this November from a launch base in Russia.

The satellite carries a scientific experiment from the South African National Space Agency’s Directorate in Hermanus, which will allow it to collect information that will be used by scientists to gain an understanding of space weather and its impact on communication technology.

The “Naming a Cubesat Competition” is part of SAASTA’s public awareness programmes, which are aimed at creating public interest and an appreciation for science, engineering and technology in South African communities.

Through this competition, the organization, which is a business unit of the National Research Foundation (NRF), hopes to expose learners to the possibilities of careers in the space sector.

The competition is open to Grade 9 to 12 learners who are asked to come up with a name that must have a South African context. Each entry must contain a short description of 200 words explaining its significance.

Prizes up for grabs include iPads, laptops and a trip to the South African National Space Agency facilities in South Africa.    

Entries close 30 October 2013.

For more information and to enter the competition visit the SAASTA website.

Written by Marick Hornsveld

Spirits are high at the French South African Institute of Technology (F’SATI) after students from this institute scooped the coveted Mission Idea Contest (MIC) for Micro and Nano Satellites Utilisation in Nagoya, Japan.

The MIC is an international competition that encourages the innovative exploitation of satellites to provide useful capabilities, services or data. It is organised by the University Space Engineering Consortium (UNISEC) in Japan, and sponsored by the University of Tokyo.

The winners are part of F’SATI’s Satellite Systems Engineering Programme. They entered Category 2 (Mission Idea and Business Model) of the MIC with a project titled ‘Underground and surface water detection and monitoring using a micro-satellite’. The proposed mission was designed to address the dire need for managing fresh water resources in Africa.

Morné Roman, a recent CPUT MTech graduate in the program, presented the project at the competition during the UN/Japan Nano-Satellite Symposium on 10 October 2012.

More than 70 entries were received in the competition. The other members of the team are Messrs Ayokunle Ayeleso, Matthew Sibanda, Paul Bayendang, Kelvin Gomo, Khaya Dwaza, Craig Olivier and Fenni Shidhika.

 “This is truly a remarkable achievement, not only for me, but also for F'SATI, CPUT and the entire African continent. I hope that our mission idea will not remain an idea only, but that it will be implemented as access to water is a very pressing problem in Africa”, said Roman.

F’SATI Deputy Director Prof Robert Van Zyl represented South African Space Scientists at the Symposium after being nominated by the Department of Science and Technology.

By Thami Nkwanyane

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From manufacturing satellite components to food supplements, CPUT innovators are making their mark in industry.

The institution’s leading innovators recently shared their success stories at CPUT’s Innovation Fund Board meeting, held at the Bellville Campus.

The board was established in 2008 and is tasked with identifying research that can be commercialized and providing researchers with the funds needed to take their ideas one step further.

This year innovators from the French South African Institute of Technology, the Functional Foods Unit, the Biocatalysis and Technical Biology Research Group, the Flow Process Research Centre and the TIA Adaptronics Advanced Manufacturing Technology Laboratory, showcased their innovative activities.

LIFT OFF: The TIA Adaptronics Advanced Manufacturing Technology Laboratory is manufacturing unmanned aerial vehicles systems. They have also started a company

Of these units, several have registered patents while other has started new companies that manufacture and sell speciliased products, both locally and internationally.

Director of the Technology Transfer Office, Prof Gary Atkinson-Hope says the board was particularly impressed with the range of innovations presented and the exhibitions that were on display.

“In general, the technological specialisations and complexities of products presented demonstrated uniqueness with commercialisation prospects and some are already in the market place,” says Atkinson-Hope

This year several up and coming innovators also presented their innovative ideas to the board, with the hope of clinching funding which will help them to commericliase their products or register patents.

Written by Candes Keating
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Provides coverage for the Engineering and Applied Sciences Faculties; the Bellville and Wellington Campuses, and research and innovation news.

CPUT is primed to be the hub for postgraduate space technology studies on the continent with the establishment of the Pan African University for Space Sciences Institute.

The announcement by the Minister of Finance. Tito Mboweni, that the Western Cape’s largest university would host this important technology node came as no surprise to the university since conversations with a variety of stakeholders including the Departments of Higher Education and Training, Science and Innovation and the South Africa National Space Agency in this regard has been ongoing for a number of years.

Vice-Chancellor Prof Chris Nhlapo welcomed the Mboweni’s statement that work on the university will begin in earnest and says they look forward to hosting the continent’s brightest minds in space technology studies.

“The creation of this university will foster wealth creation on the African continent and increase data sovereignty for the region. The fact that CPUT will be on the forefront of this exciting development is a big win for universities of technologies and reflects the collective hard work, dedication and ambitions of a team who have been working diligently behind the scenes for years.”

CPUT’s Satellite Programme, hosted by the French South African Institute of Technology (F’SATI), is based on the Bellville campus and is already a leader in the space technology field after its second nano-satellite, ZACube-2, was successfully launched into space and transmits information to the CPUT ground station. The CPUT Satellite Programme has already produced well over 60 postgraduate students to support the space industry and through its vibrant innovation hub, The Africa Space Innovation Centre, CPUT spearheads the commercialisation of nano-satellite technologies. These developments take place on the Bellville campus which is equipped with the cleanroom, production and development areas, state of the art test equipment and a ground station.

The CPUT satellite programme has been boosted by the awarding of an NRF Research Chair in Small Satellite Technology and Applications for Africa, as well as the implementation of a Master's degree in Satellite Systems and Application which is focussed on satellite engineering.

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CPUT is committed to advancing maritime domain technologies.

The university recently outlined its contribution to Operation Phakisa at the Tech Opportunities for the Oceans Economy conference, which was jointly hosted by CPUT’s French South African Institute of Technology (F’SATI) and the organisations Le Cap40 and French Tech Cape Town.

Operation Phakisa (meaning “hurry up” in Sesotho), is a South African government initiative aimed at unlocking the economic potential of South Africa’s oceans by focusing on marine transport and manufacturing, aquaculture, marine protection services and ocean governance, offshore oil and gas exploration, coastal tourism and small harbour development.

By unlocking the economic potential of South Africa’s oceans, the government aims to address the triple challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality in South Africa.

Director of F’SATI, Prof Robert van Zyl, says to support the government’s initiative, CPUT will produce a nanosatellite constellation for Maritime Domain Awareness.

The nanosatellite constellation will consist of nine bespoke CubeSats that will be used for applications such as vessel tracking, monitoring of South Africa’s extensive oceans, rural connectivity and e-Health (communication with remote clinics).

“The technology being developed is cutting-edge and has already attracted the attention of global players in the maritime industry” says van Zyl.

As a precursor to the mission, the unit is developing a 3U CubeSat, ZACUBE-2, which will be used to test the new vessel tracking ability and infrared technology that will play a key role in the project.

Chief Director of Space Science at the Department of Science and Technology, Humbulani Mudau, says to reach the goals of Operation Phakisa, developments in space science and technology is key.

“As government we are aware that space science has a huge role to play in Operation Phakisa,” he says.

CPUT Vice-Chancellor, Dr Prins Nevhutalu, says CPUT is serious about unlocking the economic potential of South Africa’s oceans and has established a Chair in Oceans Economy, which is held by Prof Kenneth Findlay.

Nevhutalu says the university is also exploring the feasibility of a faculty or school of ocean studies, which will be multidisciplinary.

“As we seek opportunities for Operation Phakisa, job creation must be at the forefront,” he says.

“We must leverage our resources so that our people can have a better life.”

*F’SATI (French South African Institute of Technology) is a French South African graduate institute for teaching, research and development, located in South Africa, which contributes to the creation of knowledge and transfer of technology in South Africa. It is supported by the Embassy of France, the Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie of the region Paris Ile-de-France, the Department of Science and Technology (SA Government), the National Research Foundation and many other institutions.

*Le Cap40 and French Tech Cape Town support business engagement between the Western Cape and France, as well as the establishment of Technology start-ups in Cape Town

Written by Candes Keating
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Provides coverage for the Engineering and Applied Sciences Faculties; the Bellville and Wellington Campuses, and research and innovation news.

The team at the Africa Space Innovation Centre (ASIC) at CPUT has completed the integration of the three flight model (FM) satellites for the upcoming MDASat-1 mission.

ASIC Chief Engineer at the French South African Institute of Technology (F’SATI), Francois Visser says MDASat-1 consists of three satellites that will be launched simultaneously into space.  “This will relay location beacons and other short messages via radio waves from ships on the ocean below the satellite to CPUT's ground station at its Bellville campus,” Visser explains. The project had received about R20 million in funding from the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI).

“The team put in extra time to complete this momentous milestone a few days before the DSI's end-of-March deadline.  The occasion is also significant for the fact that this marks the first time in South Africa (SA) that three satellites are built at the same time.”

The next step in the project is the functional testing of the three satellites, including environmental testing that will ensure that they survive the rocket launch and harsh space environments.  The launch is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2021.

Furthermore, DSI recently announced an additional investment of about R18,9 million in the development of two nanosatellites (M2MSat-1) towards increased maritime domain awareness in SA.  Head of the ASIC, as well as the local node of F’SATI at CPUT, Prof Robert van Zyl says the M2MSat-1 will build on the technology of MDASat-1.  

In their recent statement, DSI announced that the funding was channelled through the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), an entity of the DSI, to CPUT, “an institution that is playing a leading role in growing space science and technology in SA.” The university has developed cutting-edge nanosatellites and cube satellites (CubeSats) over the years, demonstrating advanced technological capabilities in the country's space industry.

The department stated that SA needed a more strategic and coordinated approach to ensure optimal surveillance of the waters off its coast, including shipping movements within the country's exclusive economic zone. This will promote improved maritime domain awareness and enhanced maritime security. It is the first such initiative for the country to provide communication services to the maritime industry.

The two maritime industry nanosatellites will be powered by "M2MSat" technology, in the form of cutting-edge VHD Data Exchange System (VDES) software-defined radios for machine-to-machine (M2M) communication.

Developed as a collaboration between CPUT and a local company, Stone Three Communications, the M2MSat technology advances the state of the art in space innovation, significantly improving the technology on board CPUT's ZACube-2 nanosatellite, which was launched in 2018.

ASIC has produced two satellites that were launched successfully in 2013 and 2018 respectively. The next mission – the most advanced yet – will see the three MDASat-1 nanosatellites placed in orbit for the purpose of maritime domain awareness, in line with the goals of the government's Operation Phakisa: Oceans Economy.

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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The CPUT Satellite Programme recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Airbus about presenting technical seminars on the university campus.

The Satellite Programme’s partnership with Airbus dates back to 2009 when the programme was first established with government support through the Department of Science and Technology (DST).

French South African Institute of Technology Director Prof Robert van Zyl explained under that first MoU, Airbus Defence and Space (then EADS Astrium) presented technical seminars by their senior engineers during the F’Sati Space Industry Seminar series.

The most recently signed MoU will facilitate the continuation of these industry seminars. The two parties wanted to rework their agreement to mention they would work together in the frame of the CPUT Space engineering and CubeSat programmes. The agreement sets out the terms under which the two parties will co-operate to perform activities for the education and training of the next generation of South African space engineers, promote the Satellite engineering programme and support the setting up and implementation of the South African Space mission.

“The seminars have been very popular, attracting participants from all spheres of the industry, namely academic, industry, government, and not only from South Africa, but the region as well,” said Van Zyl.

The Satellite Programme has since its establishment matured into an internationally recognised and nationally strategic centre that develops skills vital to the national and regional space industries. CPUT’s second nano-satellite ZACube-2 is due to be launched into outer space on 25 December.

“Africa is also at an exciting junction of its space programme, having adopted the African Space Policy and Strategies. Formalising partnerships with a global leader in the space industry such as Airbus strengthens our ability to provide our students with an international perspective on the space industry and exposes our space industry to global technology trends,” said Van Zyl.

He thanked Airbus for their continued commitment to F’Sati and CPUT specifically and the industry at large. “We also want to take this opportunity to thank DST and its agencies for their unwavering support.”

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The National Research Foundation (NRF) has awarded R3.3 million in student bursaries to the pioneering French South African Institute of Technology at CPUT.

F’SATI director Prof Robert van Zyl said the institute was grateful for the support from the NRF, which has provided more than R12 million in bursaries to students from the institute since 2009.

“This year’s award is the biggest grant so far,” said Van Zyl.

“Awards like these are crucial for the development of our students at a time when many students and their families are struggling financially. It will help to ensure the sustained growth of the institute, which will support the growth of the space industry in South Africa.”

The award will support six BTech students, 17 new Masters students, 10 continuing Masters students, four new doctoral students, one continuing doctoral student while a grant for staff development was also made.

The award comes as F’SATI prepares for the launch of ZACube-2, the most advanced South African CubeSat to date.

ZACube-2 follows on the success of TshepisoSAT (code named ZACUBE-1), Africa’s first cubesat, which was launched into space in November 2013. 

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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Four years after making history with the launch of Africa’s first nano-satellite into space, CPUT is preparing to reach even greater heights with the launch of its second CubeSat - ZACube-2.

ZACube-2 will be the most advanced South African CubeSat to date and is expected to launch in May or June from a launch site in India.

It was developed by the Satellite Programme of the CPUT French South African Institute of Technology (F’SATI), which is based at the Bellville campus.

“ZACube-2 is a triple unit CubeSat so it is three times the size of its predecessor, which was called TshepisoSat,” says F’SATI director, Prof Robert van Zyl.

“It is currently being tested and qualified for space, which means it is being subjected to the extreme conditions it will be exposed to in the space environment.”

The main payload on the satellite is an AIS (automatic identification system) receiver with which navigational data will be received from ships along our coast. This data, which includes the ships’ GPS coordinates, registration information, speed and direction of travel, will assist the authorities to track ship traffic in our exclusive economic zone, and improve the safety of ships.
ZACube-2 will also carry an advanced camera, which will detect forest and velds fires.

ZACube-2 serves as a precursor mission for two future satellite constellations - the one for Maritime Domain Awareness in support of Operation Phakisa and the other a FireSat constellation to track fire on the African continent,” says Van Zyl.

The ZACube-2 mission is an initiative funded by the Department of Science and Technology, the South African National Space Agency, the National Research Foundation and the Cape Peninsula University of Technology.
Our technology partners include the CSIR, Stone Three, Clyde Space, Stellenbosch University and Astrofica.

• Operation Phakisa is an initiative of the South African government, and is aimed at implementing priority programmes better, faster and more effectively.

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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For over a decade, CPUT has formed part of World Space Week, a global celebration of science and technology, and their impact to the advancement of the human condition.

World Space Week is managed by the United Nations with the assistance of the World Space Week Association (WSWA). The WSWA steers a world-wide team of national coordinators, who promote the celebration of World Space Week within their own countries. The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed in 1999 that World Space Week will be held each year from October 4-10. The theme of World Space Week 2021 is . These dates commemorate two events:

• 4 October 1957: Launch of the first human-made Earth satellite, Sputnik 1, thus lead-in the way for space study.
• 10 October 1967: The signing of the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies.

On its part, CPUT hosts the Africa’s leading nano-satellite programme, which has developed Africa’s first nanosatellite, ZACUBE-1. On 21 November 2013, CPUT made history with the launch of South Africa’s first CubeSat, a type of nanosatellite, ZACUBE-1. This was retitled as Tshepiso and it was atop an RS-2OB rocket (Dnepr) at Yasny launch base in Russia and sometime after 9am it made its first track over South Africa. Around 12pm the Ground Station at CPUT had accomplished its first connection with the nanosatellite.

Financed by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), the satellite was invented and manufactured by postgraduate students following the CubeSat Programme at the French South African Institute of Technology (F’SATI) at CPUT which was established at CPUT in 2008 as the second node of the institution in South Africa in collaboration with South African National Space Agency (SANSA). 

This programme is purposefully associated with the National Space Strategy and is also funded as a crucial human resource development programme by the National Research Foundation (NRF).

CPUT admirably released the ZACube-2 on 27 December 2018 from the Soyuz-2.1a carrier rocket, transmitting nanosatellites from South Africa, the United States, Spain, and Germany from Baikonur East in Serbia. The ZACube-2 is three times the size of its predecessor and inspects marine traffic along the South African coast and supply Operation Phakisa objectives.

Furthermore, in December, CPUT will launch the first South African constellation of three satellites for Maritime Domain Awareness.

The mission, named MDASat-1 will be CPUT’s third satellite mission, following on ZACube-1’s (TshepisoSat) and ZACube-2’s successful development operations.  The outgoing head of the Africa Space Innovation Centre, as well as the local node of F’SATI, Prof Robert van Zyl previously said the MDASat-1 will use Automatic Identification System (AIS) data to monitor ship movements within South Africa’s Exclusive Economic Zone.

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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A development engineer who recently recovered from Covid-19 is a member of the CPUT team competing in this year’s Absa Cape Epic, known as the biggest full-service mountain bike stage race in the world.

Etnard Louw, a development engineer at the French South African Institute of Technology will be taking on the gruelling race with Seraj Abrahams, a quantity surveying alumnus.

According to the race website, the Absa Cape Epic must be completed by both members of a two-person team with only 680 teams allowed to ride the race each year. Every edition follows a different route, leading aspiring amateur and professional mountain bikers from around the world through roughly 700 untamed kilometres of unspoiled scenery and up 16 000m of vertical ascent. The race is scheduled to start on October 17.

Louw has been mountain biking for 10 years.

“I have always been a road cyclist but loved the mountain biking scene. When I completed my degree, I got myself a mountain bike and fell in love with it. I had to learn the hard way but eventually, I got the hang of it and really started to enjoy it.”

He said preparing for the race has been a tough and challenging time.

“I was well on track and my fitness was excellent but after testing positive for COVID about two months ago I lost it all and had to be very careful when I got back on the bike.”

Louw said that after getting the all-clear from the doctor, he has been training at full capacity and doing races to improve his form.

“Seraj and I participated in the ‘Imbuko big 5’ cycle challenge together which covers the queen stage for this year’s epic, so we have a feel for each other’s ability, and it went really well. We will continue to train and race up to the Cape Epic, so far it seems like we are back on track.”

Abrahams, who lives in Lansdowne, has also been mountain biking for about ten years.

“I got involved when my neighbour lent me an old ‘Makro special’ to use at our local trails at Tokai. I have been hooked ever since.”

He is excited about the “incredibly tough week of riding”.

“I am looking forward to all the hard hours in training paying off come race week. After all, this is "The ultimate mountain bike race”. 

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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Home to more than 30,000 students, CPUT is the largest university of technology in the region and has several campuses and satellite sites, stretching from the Cape Town city centre to as far as George in the Southern Cape.

Each campus boasts unique characteristics and functions.

Bellville Campus

This campus is the administrative hub of the institution and is home to the following:

• The world renowned French South African Institute of Technology, which produced and launched Africa’s first nanosatellite.
• The Electrical Engineering Building, which is CPUT’s largest teaching and research facility.

Cape Town Campus

The city’s most popular landmark, Table Mountain, is a backdrop to this campus. It accommodates the following:

• The university’s largest faculty, the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences.
• The Faculty of Informatics and Design.
• A select number of courses offered by the Faculties of Applied Sciences and Health and Wellness Sciences are offered on the campus.

Wellington Campus

This campus is situated in the centre of the Boland town and has become known for:

• Producing teachers trained in the Afrikaans medium.
• Training the next generation of leaders in the agriculture sector.

Mowbray Campus

The Faculty of Education recently expanded is facilities with building work completed last year. This campus is renowned for:

• Annually producing the largest number of teaching graduates in the Western Cape.
• The state-of-the-art Human Performance Laboratory and the Centre for International Teacher Education.

Athlone Campus, Worcester and George satellite campuses

• These three campuses produce nursing staff for the country’s health sector.

Granger Bay Campus

The stylish Hotel School Restaurant is the main attraction of this campus, which overlooks Robben Island. It also houses the following:

• The renowned Cape Town Hotel School.
• The Maritime Engineering Department and the Survival Centre.

Groote Schuur and Tygerberg Hospital

• The Department of Medical Imaging and Therapeutic Sciences is located on the premises of Groote Schuur Hospital in Observatory.
• The Dental Sciences Department is based at the Tygerberg Hospital and gives students the opportunity to work directly with patients and medical staff.

Roeland Street Building

• Students and staff from Journalism, Photography, Public Relations and Multimedia call this campus home.

Media City

• Media City is based on the Foreshore and accommodates students and staff of the Architecture, Town and Regional Planning, and Interior Design schools.

For campus contact details see: http://www.cput.ac.za/about-cput/cput-at-a-glance/contact-details

Written by Ilse Fredericks

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Vice-Chancellor Prof Chris Nhlapo recently hosted Dr Moncef Meddeb and Vincent Perrier, a delegation from the Embassy of France in South Africa, at the Cape Town Hotel School.

Nhlapo said the purpose of the visit was to strengthen CPUT’s current collaboration partnerships with the French, “taking the lessons learnt from the successful F’SATI (French South African Institute of Technology) and expanding to the North and West of France”.  The Vice-Chancellor said: “We want to strengthen staff and student exchanges… How CPUT will participate in the one-week in-person event in France dedicated to promoting the South African higher education and research landscapes.”

The Embassy of France in South Africa is organising the efforts with all French and South African stakeholders to arrange a one-week in-person event in France devoted to advancing the South African higher education and research landscapes between all involved Higher Education Institutions in France.  “The participation of the South African universities is key for a successful week and to achieve the objective of expanding the bilateral scientific and academic cooperation. All South African universities are invited to express their interests and participate in this week-long event in France, to be held between 27 June 2022 and 2 July 2022,” the French Embassy statement read.

The event will include presentations and discussions to showcase the South African academic landscape and current partnerships and “discuss the existing instruments and some relevant ideas and avenues for future partnerships. All French Higher Education Institutions are invited to attend and contribute to the discussions”.

During the event at the hotel school, Prof Veruscha Fester, Assistant Dean: Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships, Dr Bongani Ncube and Prof Oscar Philander gave presentations and gave an overview of the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment. Meanwhile, Prof Joseph Kioko, Dean of the Faculty of Applied Sciences, with Prof Jessy Van Wyk, Dr Sune Henning, and Prof Maretha Opperman, provided presentations and an overview of the Faculty of Applied Sciences.

Reflecting on the outcomes of the event, Nhlapo said: “It was an excellent meeting with great ideas and possibilities being that of including Applied Sciences (Agrifood Technology Station, Chocolate making etc) and Water Research, especially the newly acquired Research Chair by Dr Ncube from Engineering,” he continued.

“As we normally say, ‘collaborate or collapse, we believe in collapsing the boundaries to collaboration’. It means increasing our footprint in France and consolidating the successful partnership we already have with the French. It also means strengthening and monitoring our current programme with the French.”

After a closed meeting, Nhlapo also revealed some of his agreements with the delegation: "We agreed on several initiatives to strengthen and sustain our relations. We agreed on staff and student exchanges. We also agreed with them assisting us in our recruitment drive for a Research Chair in Nano-Satellite”.

Nhlapo also revealed that the University aims to expand the hotel school, “They [French] are also known for the art of French Gastronomy”. “Ferrandi, at the heart of Paris, is known worldwide in culinary arts and hospitality management. It is, therefore, our intention to strengthen this area for our Hotel School.”

Written by Aphiwe Boyce