CPUT has officially launched its Satellite Systems Engineering Programme, which is aimed a developing human capacity in the field of satellite engineering.

The launch event, which took place on 16 November 2009, marks the start of CPUT’s role in ensuring the success of South Africa’s National Space Strategy.

The rollout of the programme comes just months after the National Space Agency Bill, which will drive space-related activities, was passed.

With the Bill in place, the institution saw an opportunity to develop students for the South African space industry.

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

It also received a stamp of approval from the Department of Science and Technology (DST).

At the launch, which took place at the Bellville campus, the institution also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with EADS Astrium, a French based consortium that is involved in all spheres of space activity.

Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Derek Hanekom, who delivered the keynote address said: “We attach enormous significance to this programme.”

Hanekom said space science and technology is one of the focus areas identified in the DST’s 10 year plan.

According to the plan, South Africa must grow the local satellite industry and increase research, development and innovation in space science.

Hanekom said they have identified human capacity as one of the factors that will limit development in this area.

“It is not by chance that we are supporting this programme. This programme will help develop human capacity,” he said.

He said CPUT has a strong foundation on which to build this programme, which is based in the French South African Institute of Technology (F’SATI), a specialised unit at CPUT that focuses on Electronic Engineering.

“This is the beginning of something big. We are putting the pieces together systematically,” he said.

The NRF also commended F’SATI for venturing into space engineering.

Director of Institutional Capacity Development Dr Romilla Maharaj, said: “I want to applaud CPUT for putting this programme together.”

She said the NRF is excited when institutions’ take up such challenges.

During the next two years, the first intake of students who will specialise in Satellite Systems Engineering, will build a nano-satellite.

Director of F’SATI, Prof Robert van Zyl, who will drive CPUT’s space activities, said they will develop a CubeSat, which will measure 10 by 10 by 30 centimeters and will weigh three kilograms. The payload of the first mission includes a camera and science experiment in conjunction with the Hermanus Magnetic Observatory.

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

Prof van Zyl said it will then be showcased at the International Astronautical Federation Conference, which will be held in Cape Town in October 2011.

Dr Chris Nhlapo, CPUT deputy vice-chancellor for Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships, said the institution is committed to innovation.

“If we want to improve the technology index in South Africa, then we have to take innovation seriously,” he said.

He said the roll out of the programme is a move in the right direction.

By Candes Keating

Photograph: Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic Prof Anthony Staak and Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Derek Hanekom unveil a plaque at the official launch of the Satellite Systems Engineering Programme.

Written by CPUT News
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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.

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.

Approximately 18 months in space and TshepisoSAT, Africa’s first nanosatellite, is still going strong.

Developed by postgraduate students enrolled in the Satellite Systems Engineering Programme at the French South African Technology Institute (F’SATI), TshepisoSAT is the first nanosatellite to be developed on the African continent.

Engineer Leon Steenkamp, who is monitoring the nanosatellite’s daily movements from the ground station at the Bellville Campus, says the mission is going according to plan.

“The nanosatellite is still working and doing very well,” says Steenkamp.

“We are communicating with it every day and receiving photographs and telemetry (data). It has shown that it can survive in space.”

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

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

Steenkamp says they also recently traveled to the United States, where they presented on the progress of the nanosatellite at the 12th Annual CubeSat Developers’ Workshop.

TshepisoSAT’s journey is set to be chronicled by F’SATI Director Prof Robert Van Zyl on Monday when he presents at the Tedx TableMountain event.

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.