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