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.

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

CPUT has recently added to its already extensive array of global alliances by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with similar institutions in Ghana and China. The Industrial and Systems Engineering Department has forged new links with Shanghai Dian Ji University (SDJU), while the Engineering Faculty affiliate, F’SATI has entered into an agreement with Ghana Telecomms University College (GTUC) to share their satellite technology expertise.

Professor Xia Jianguo, President of SDJU says the university is considered one of the best engineering education providers in Shanghai, China’s largest city. Quoting Confucius, President Jianguo says, “What a pleasure it is to have friends coming from afar!” And this will hopefully be one of the many spin-offs of the MoU signed between CPUT and SDJU – not only the exchange of information and research, but student and lecturer exchanges too, both short and long-term.
An international finance and trade centre and dynamic, bustling metropolis, Shanghai is a magnet for international students, and SDJU is hoping to welcome an increasing number of CPUT students and teaching staff in the years to come.

(from left) VC Mazwi-Tanga,  Dr Osei K. Darkwa and F'Sati's Prof Robert van Zyl at the recent signing formalising ties between CPUT and Ghana Telecomms University College.

Meanwhile, Prof Robert van Zyl, Deputy Director of the French-South Africa Technology Institute at CPUT, recently signed a MoU with GTUC President Dr Osei K. Darkwa. The Ghanains hosted Prof van Zyl earlier this year in Accra to workshop and collaborate on establishing a similar satellite systems engineering programme in the African nation to that offered by F’SATI.

Says van Zyl, “This latest agreement to share our expertise in this incredibly exciting field with our Ghanain counterparts reinforces our position as 'the space hub' of the Western Cape – and in turn, of South Africa.”
CPUT and F'SATI are widely considered the country's breeding ground for the development of space scientists.

by Jan Weintrob.

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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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Professor Robert Van Zyl, Deputy Director of F’SATI, will be jetting off to Japan after being nominated by the South African Government to represent it at the United Nations/Japan Nano-Satellite Symposium in Nagoya, Japan, next week.

Prof Van Zyl said his nomination signifies “a remarkable shift in recognizing the role that CPUT is playing in developing skills. We can contribute a lot to the discussion in South Africa. For us it acknowledges the prominence we have in the national skills training landscape. It also gives us the opportunity to explore collaboration with researchers in Japan”.

Ms Naledi Pandor, Minister of Science and Technology, said: “I trust that his participation in the symposium will enhance our National Space Programme and Research & Development in Space Applications and Space Technology as South Africa continues to build capacity in space programmes in micro and nano-Satellite”

Prof Van Zyl delivered a speech at the Space Science Colloquim held at the University of Pretoria yesterday as a pre-emptive to his trip to Japan. The Colloquim was hosted by the Japan Embassy, The DST, the Nairobi Research Station and the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science. Its objective was to find common points of interest between South Africa and Japan in astronomy, earth observation and micro-satellite research.

Professor Van Zyl spoke about Satellite development in S.A. over the past two decades. He also covered work done in the SunSat and SumbadilaSat microsatellites developed by the University of Stellenbosch and current developments in the CubeSat/Nanosatellite projects.

CPUT students are finalists in the Mission Idea Contest, a global competition run by the Tokyo University and the Japan Space Agency. Last year CPUT were semi-finalists in the competition. More than sixty Universities from across the world are participating.

By Thami Nkwanyane

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CPUT will host a French Day at its Bellville Campus next week.

The event, which takes place on 5 September, will highlight successful collaborations between the French and CPUT and promote future cooperation and student exchanges.

The event forms part of the broader “French Season in South Africa” which is currently being celebrated.

During the next few months, a series of events, organsied by the French Embassy and South African entities, will highlight French culture, education, sports and science.

CPUT’s Ian van Zyl, who is one of the organisers of the French Day, says the event will feature exhibitions, round table discussions, demonstrations and lectures.

The activities will take place at the Gencor Building, which is home to the French South African Institute of Technology (F’SATI) and the Product Lifecycle Management Competency Centre (PLMCC).

F’SATI is a joint venture between the university and ESIEE-Paris, a graduate school in France.  Established several years ago, the collaboration is a huge success and has seen F’SATI develop Africa’s first cubesat - ZACUBE 1.

The university’s most recent collaboration with the French resulted in the establishment of the PLMCC earlier this year.  Partners in this venture include the French Ministry of Education, the French company Dassault Systems and the Technology Innovation Agency.

By Candes Keating

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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

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CPUT’s satellite endeavours have been given the thumbs up by a delegation from the US National Security Department.

The F’SATI satellite programme which is based at the Bellville Campus and headed by Prof Robert van Zyl was visited by the high profile visitors recently during a tour of the country.

Head of the Bureau of Arms Control, Verification and Compliance Frank Rose inspected the continent’s first cubesat and chatted with the team of students and lecturers who helped build it.

“I am very impressed by your space policy but most importantly I think the emphasis placed on training the next generation is key,” Rose told the meeting.

The US delegation have strong links to NASA and it is hoped the meeting will help strengthen the professional partnerships between the two space programmes.

The CubeSat is expected to be launched into space mid-October and at the moment students are putting the final touches to it making sure it is ready for the rigours of space.

By LAUREN KANSLEY

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CPUT has beaten competition from hundreds of applicants to participate in the revered South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChi).

An initiative of the Department of Science and Technology, CPUT has been given the go-ahead to set up Research Chairs in the areas of Teacher Education and in Innovative Small Satellite Technology and Applications for Africa.

The Chairs aim to develop world-class experts in specific research areas who can contribute to the overall development of South Africa. 

Coordinated by the National Research Foundation (NRF) the Chairs are sought after in the higher education landscape as they provide universities with much-needed funds to achieve their research and developmental goals.

Combined the Chairs awarded to CPUT are worth R5 million.

Dean of Education, Maureen Robinson, says the Chair in Teacher Education will impact research activities in the Faculty.

“This will enhance the status of teacher education as a field of study in its own right, extend national and international links, and deepen our knowledge about the topic. In the longer term, one would hope that this would contribute to improving the quality of teaching in South Africa,” she says.

SCIENCE: One of the research chairs will focus on small satellite development.

Meanwhile, Director of F’SATI, Prof Robert van Zyl, says the Chair in Innovative Small Satellite Technology and Applications for Africa, will allow them to expand on their current research and innovation activities,

“It also provides us with the necessary long-term sustainability to plan strategically for the future.  The sky is truly not the limit for our Programme,” he says.

Deputy-Vice Chancellor Research, Technology, Innovation and Partnerships, Dr Chris Nhlapo described the awarding of the Chairs as a milestone for CPUT.

He said it will ensure that the University becomes a research intensive institution and makes a meaningful impact in the regional system of innovation.

By Candes Keating

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From state-of-the-art laboratories to double-volume mid-air walkways and green buildings, CPUT’s Bellville Campus boasts some of the most cutting-edge facilities at CPUT.

Facilities include the multi-million Rand Food Technology Building, which is the only facility of its kind on the African continent as well as a state-of-the-art Mechanical Engineering Building.

The campus is also home to the institution’s biggest facility – the Electrical Engineering Building. This modern development consists of two three-storey buildings that are joined by a double volume mid-air walkway. One building houses up to 30 laboratories that students use for practical training while the second building houses the department’s research units.

Last year work was also completed on the Health and Wellness Sciences facility, which boast several high-tech laboratories, while this year work will start off on the multi-million Rand Chemical Engineering Building.

The Bellville Campus is also the administrative hub of CPUT, housing the university's Council and Senate Chambers as well as the office of the Vice-Chancellor.

EXERCISE: The Bellville Campus also features a well-equipped gym and a squash court.

The Faculties of Applied Sciences, Engineering, and Health and Wellness Sciences are based at the Bellville Campus along with several leading research centers, including the internationally acclaimed F’SATI, which was responsible for the development of Africa’s first nanosatellite launched in 2013.

Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, such as high-tech computer labs, study areas, a clinic, and a well-stocked library.

Tabeisa Start-up Cafe is also housed on the Bellville Campus and offers delicious meals.

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

Mandla Maseko is set to make history when he blasts off into space.

Maseko will be the first black South African to venture into the abyss after being handpicked out of more than a million hopefuls as one of 23 winners of the global Axe Apollo Space Academy competition.

The prize is an hour-long sub-orbital trip of approximately 100 kilometres, a journey that normally comes with a hefty price tag of over R1 million.

Recently Maseko visited CPUT’s world-renowned F’SATI unit, which is responsible for designing and building Africa’s first nanosatellite, TshepisoSAT, which was launched in November 2013.

Built by a group of 40 postgraduate students, Maseko says CPUT has proved that anything is possible.

“The launch of the nanosatellite showed me that anything is possible through hard work,” says Maseko, who addressed learners and students who came out to meet him at the Bellville Campus.

Unable to afford the tuition cost for his civil engineering degree, Maseko dropped out and worked a low-paying job. But after hearing about the competition on a local radio station, Maseko has never looked backed and now his dream of going to space is set to soon become a reality.

“Be a firm believer of the power of spoken words. If there is anything that you want, speak it out to the universe. It must deliver,” he says.

Maseko encouraged the learners and students to remain in school, work hard and to one day give back to their communities by creating jobs.

*Maseko joins another famous South African to make this once-in-a-lifetime trip. In 2002 entrepreneur Mark Shuttleworth bought a seat on a Russian Soyuz capsule and spent eight days on board the International Space Station.

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.

It’s official! TshepisoSAT, Africa’s first nanosatellite, has survived one year in space.

The nanosatellite was launched on 21 November 2013, and TshepisoSAT has proved its worth in space.

Developed by postgraduate students following the Satellite Systems Engineering Programme at the French South African Technology Institute (F’SATI), TshepisoSAT has survived the harsh radiation from the sun, extreme temperature fluctuations, a strong solar storm and two close encounters with defunct Russian satellites.

This remarkable achievement was celebrated at the Bellville Campus, with CPUT staff members, government officials, members of industry and the French diplomatic core joining in the festivities.

Humbulani Mdau, Chief Director: Space Science and Technology at the Department of Science and Technology, says the nanosatellite is a testament to the skills in South Africa and its development has been instrumental in creating opportunities for science advancement as well as human capacity development.

Mdau says through the development of TshepisoSAT, CPUT has made a huge contribution towards meeting the country’s goals in the science, technology and engineering spheres.

“TshepisoSAT truly embodies the hope and promise of the next generation of space engineers,” says Mdau.

Dr Peter Martinez, the Chairperson of the South African Council for Space Affairs, commended F’SATI for this remarkable achievement.

“The odds are against you when you launch a nanosatellite, but CPUT got it right, and this is a major achievement,” says Martinez.

Prof Louis Fourie, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Knowledge and Information Services at CPUT, says the university is extremely proud of this achievement.

“This is an example of the capability of our students and staff,” says Fourie.

TshepisoSAT Facts:

• Weighs 1.2 kg and measures 10x10x10 cm
• Is about 100 times smaller than the first satellite launched to space
• Took 18 months to build and 30 000 hours of manpower
• 40 postgraduate students were involved in its development
• It runs on the same amount of power of a 3-watt bulb
• It orbits Earth 15 times a day at an altitude of 600km
• Contains 4 000 electronic components and 1 computer
• The nanosatellite is used to study the propagation of radio waves through the ionosphere and will provide valuable space weather data to the South African National Space Agency Space Science Directorate.

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.

TshepisoSAT, Africa’s first nanosatellite, will celebrate one year in space on Friday, 21 November 2014.

Developed by postgraduate students following the Satellite Systems Engineering Programme at the French South African Technology Institute (F’SATI), TshepisoSAT is proving its worth in space.

It has survived the harsh radiation from the sun, extreme temperature fluctuations, a strong solar storm and two close encounters with defunct Russian satellites.

The nanosatellite has been orbiting Earth up to 15 times a day at an altitude of 600km and during the past few months has transmitted a series of images of South Africa.

HISTORY: The launch of the nanosatellite was viewed by hundreds of delegates who attended the launch event in 2013

Its progress was recently lauded at the 2nd International African Cubesat Workshop 2014, which was hosted by F’SATI.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic at CPUT, Prof Anthony Staak, says the University is extremely proud of this achievement.

“It’s certainly a tribute to Rob (Director of F’SATI) and his team, the students, the staff and many others who contributed to our satellite engineering programme,” says Staak.

Humbulani Mdau, Chief Director: Space Science and Technology at the Department of Science and Technology, says TshepisoSAT has put the country and the continent on the global map.

The team at F’SATI is also happy with the progress made.

Engineer Leon Steenkamp, who is monitoring the nanosatellite’s daily movements from the ground station at the Bellville Campus, says they are currently concentrating all their effort on deploying the nanosatellite’s main antenna that is connected to the high-frequency radio beacon.

This high-frequency radio beacon will be used to study the propagation of radio waves through the ionosphere, providing valuable space weather data to the South African National Space Agency Space Science Directorate.

SPACE: One of the images taken by TshepisoSAT

For up to date information on TshepisoSAT’s activities, visit F'SATI's website.

*The nanosatellite was developed in collaboration with South African National Space Agency and with funding from the Department of Science and Technology, the National Research Foundation and CPUT.

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

Cubesats are revolutionising access to space and have gone beyond being training tools for university students.

The success of Cubesat technology was celebrated at the 2nd International African Cubesat Workshop 2014, which was hosted by the French South African Technology Institute (F’SATI) on the Bellville Campus.

The two-day workshop was attended by students, academics, industry practitioners, government officials and members of the diplomatic core who discussed the latest developments in nanosatellite technology and applications.

The workshop also coincided with French Day, which celebrated collaborations between France and CPUT in the space sector.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic at CPUT, Prof Anthony Staak, says the workshop is of special significance to the institution as it approaches the first anniversary of the TshepisoSAT launch.

TshepisoSAT is the first Cubesat developed in Africa by postgraduate students at F’SATI and was launched on 21 November 2013. Its mission is to collect data on space weather for the South African National Space Agency (SANSA).

“We are extremely proud of this achievement. It’s certainly a tribute to Rob (Director of F’SATI) and his team, the students, the staff and many others who contributed to our satellite engineering programme,” says Staak.

Staak says CPUT has benefitted immensely from strong partnerships with a range of French Institutions through F’SATI, such as the Paris Chamber of Commerce, the French Embassy and various French universities.

RESEARCHER: Prof Norman Fitz-Coy, who holds the Research Chair in Innovative Small Satellite Technology and Applications for Africa at F’SATI

Locally, F’SATI has been funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and has been supported by the National Research Foundation and SANSA.

Humbulani Mdau, Chief Director: Space Science and Technology at DST, says they are very pleased with the strides made by F’SATI, adding that the launch of TshepisoSAT has put the country and the continent on the global map.

He says the concept of CubeSats has gained significance and the introduction of this technology is transforming the way we explore space.

Dr Sandile Malinga, the CEO of SANSA, echoed Mdua’s statements and says CubeSats are no longer just affordable student training tolls, but can be used for scientific applications.

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

F’SATI made history with the launch of TshepisoSAT, Africa’s first nanosatellite and is now set to intensify its research and innovation with the introduction of postdoctoral fellowships in the area of Satellite Systems Engineering.

Those who take up this opportunity will be part of this winning team who has established itself as South Africa’s leading nanosatellite systems engineering group and has gained international recognition.  

With F’SATI housed at the University’s Bellville Campus, postdoctoral fellows will have access to cutting-edge equipment and state-of-the-art facilities and will also have the opportunity to work alongside Aerospace Engineer, Prof Norman Fitz-Coy, who is renowned for his work at the School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Florida.

Fitz-Coy will lead the activities of the Research Chair in Innovative Small Satellite Technology and Applications for Africa at F’SATI and will play a key role in developing local space engineering skills in a bid to help South Africa’s space industry in its quest to reach its full potential.

Director of F’SATI, Prof Robert van Zyl, says postdoctoral fellows will also benefit from a vibrant link between industry and research.  

“The environment is therefore very conducive to cutting edge research that is relevant to Africa.  We bring together elements of research, innovation and industry and a wide network of international collaborators,” says van Zyl.

Research areas that will be explored by the postdoctoral fellows include the following:

• Satellite communications
• Applied Electromagnetics, including Antennas and EMC
• Attitude Determination and Control
• Computing for space systems
• Data security
• Remote sensing
• Space weather and radiation
• Industrial Engineering and Quality Management

To apply, send your CV and a cover letter to Ian van Zyl at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For more information contact Ian van Zyl at 021 959 6925

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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.

With more than 10 000 square meters of space dedicated to research and practical training of students, the Electrical Engineering Department is setting themselves up to lead research activities at CPUT.

The department is currently in the process of constructing a new home on the Bellville Campus that will feature two state-of-the-art, three-storey buildings that will be joined together by a double volume mid-air walkway, which will accommodate student study areas.

Head of the department, Ben Groenewald, says one building will house up to 30 laboratories, each that will be used for the practical training of students in specific areas of electrical engineering.

“The second building will house the department’s six niche areas,” says Groenewald.

INNOVATIVE: The premises consist of two buildings joined by a double-volume mid-air walkway

The first floor of the second building will house the Centre for Distributed Power and Electronic Systems, the Centre for Power Systems Research and the Centre for Instrumentation Research. The second floor will feature the multi-million Rand Centre for Substation Automation and Energy Management Systems, the only centre of its kind in the world.

The top floor will be dedicated to the renowned F’SATI unit and the Product Lifecycle Management Competency Centre, which is the only of its kind in Africa.

The current two buildings housing the Electrical Engineering Department will be converted and used as classroom space.

Groenewald says when conceptualising the building they considered the government requirements for growing the engineering sector and selected a building design that will allow the department to expand their training and grow their research base.

Head of the Programme, Tom van Breda, says it is the first time that the department has made provision for research at such a large scale.

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.

From designing the latest cellphone technology to manufacturing satellites, Electrical Engineers are at the forefront of technology and innovation.

The benefits of obtaining a qualification in Electrical Engineering were recently highlighted by a group of CPUT students who participated in an initiative, driven by the South African Institute of Electrical Engineers, to expose Grade 9 learners to this exciting field of study.

With Grade 9’s set to make subject choices later this year, the institute sponsored schools from disadvantaged communities to visit the Cape Town Science Centre in Observatory.

Here learners had an opportunity to conduct electrical experiments and interact with Electrical Engineering students who are based at the university’s F’SATI unit.

Amelie Viollet, a French exchange student at F’SATI, encouraged learners to opt for a career in Electrical Engineering.

“If you love science, then opt for a career in Electrical Engineering,” she said.

Amelie said this field of study and work allows individuals to innovate and with technology constantly changing, electrical engineers are guaranteed to always be involved in new and exciting ventures.

Education Manager at the Science Centre, Guy Lynton, said it was good for learners to interact with the CPUT students, who were able to give them first-hand information on electrical engineering.

Applications for 2015 close on 30 September 2014.

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.

Making history on the African continent does pay-off and the team at F’SATI is proof.

The Institute’s Human Capacity Development Grant from the National Research Foundation (NRF) has been renewed to the tune of over R16 million. The NRF manages the contract on behalf of the Department of Science and Technology which has funded the F’SATI Space Programme since 2009.

This investment is in addition to the NRF’s multi-million rand South African Research Chairs Initiative, which will see world-renowned Prof Norman Fitz-Coy join the team later this year.

Over the past few years F’SATI has proved their worth in the higher education sector and has positioned itself as CPUT’s flagship programme. It developed and launched Africa’s first CubeSat in 2013, produced 50 engineers and has established itself as a CubeSat technology support hub for Africa.

It is also home to the Africa Space Innovation Centre, an innovation hub that boasts an impressive product line of satellite communications systems that are being marketed internationally by Clyde Space in Scotland.

With the funding set to be paid into their coffers soon, the team has their work cut-out having to meet their funder’s grant deliverables within a period of three years.

But based on their impressive record, this team, under the leadership of Prof Robert van Zyl, is sure to do much more than just the required outcomes.

Van Zyl thanked all at CPUT for supporting the Institute.

“The launch last year of ZACUBE-1 (“TshepisoSAT”), Africa’s first CubeSat in space, is testimony of the expertise, passion and dedication of a wonderful team of staff and students we have at CPUT,” says van Zyl.

“We respect the national mandate that we are entrusted with. We will therefore continue to do our best to reach the targets we have set ourselves; making CPUT great.”

Written by Candes Keating
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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