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

South Africa’s first nanosatellite has made its way into space and is orbiting Earth at an altitude of 600km.

ZACUBE-1, which was renamed as Tshepiso, took off on Thursday morning from the Yasny Launch Base in Russia and moments after 9am made its first pass over South Africa. By 12pm the Ground Station at CPUT had made its first contact with the nanosatellite.

This historic event was celebrated at a launch ceremony on the Bellville Campus that was attended by government officials, local and international members of industry and CPUT staff and students.

NAME: ZACUBE-1 was renamed as Tshepiso, which means promise, by learner Chachane Kgothalang, from Bethel Junior Secondary School in Matatiele, Eastern Cape. The renaming was part of a competition run by the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement

CPUT Vice-Chancellor Prof Vuyisa Mazwi-Tanga says the university has made history on the African continent for being the first to develop and launch a nanosatellite.

This innovative device was built by CPUT postgraduate students at the French South African Institute of Technology (F’SATI) in collaboration with the South African National Space Agency (SANSA). Over the next few years it will monitor space weather.

LEADERS: Chief Engineer at F’SATI, Francois Visser and Prof Robert van Zyl hold an example of a nanosatellite. Visser was instrumental in the building of the device

South African National Space Agency (SANSA) CEO, Dr Sandile Malinga says the data gathered on space weather, which will be used by the organization, is integral to the understanding and monitoring of solar activity during this period of solar maxima, when the sun is currently at the peak of its 11-year solar weather cycle.

“This is a phenomenon that can have critical implications to the functionality of our technology and electricity on Earth as well as the operation of satellites,” says Malinga.

The launch of Tshepiso also affirms CPUT’s place as a leading institution in the development of human skills capacity for the space science industry.

CELEBRATE: CPUT Vice-Chancellor Designate Dr Prins Nevhutala and Vice-Chancellor Prof Vuyisa Mazwi-Tanga applaud as the nanosatellite takes off into space

Chief Director of Space Science at the Department of Science and Technology, Humbulani Mudau says F’SATI graduates will be critical for the successful implementation of the country’s space programme.

Mudau says the DST, which sponsored the development of the nanosatellite, will continue to support the activities of F’SATI.

Interview with F'SATI by News24

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 hard work put into some of CPUT’s biggest campaigns, events and adverts was recognised recently.

Members of the Marketing and Communications Department and Web Office received four awards at the recent Marketing, Advancement and Communications in Education (MACE) awards.

CPUT clinched prizes for the excellent live streaming of the 2014 Graduation series, the Marine Sciences campaign as well as for the integrated marketing campaign for the launch of the CAPE SPEED formula racing car.

But judges seemed most impressed by the efforts put into the TshepisoSat launch and CPUT clinched the very first Skill award.

Marketing and Communications Director Norman Jacobs commended his department on their excellent work and praised their ability to pull together as a team.

Written by Lauren Kansley
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Liaises with the media and writes press releases about interesting developments at CPUT.

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.

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.

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.

Hard work pays off.

Just ask Anton van Niekerk who graduated with his National Diploma in Electrical Engineering (Power Systems).

Anton was one of 12 graduates selected to receive the Dean’s Medal at this year’s Autumn Graduation.

This prestigious award is given to two graduates in each of the six faculties who excelled in all aspects of academic life.

Anton obtained distinctions in all but two of his subjects, with an aggregate of 82% for his diploma.

Currently studying towards his BTech in Electrical Engineering, Anton credits a passion for his career choice and good lecturers for his success.

“I feel very proud of this achievement. The hard work paid off,” he says.

Keynote speaker at the graduation ceremony, Ambassador Elisabeth Barbier, also reflected on the success of hard work, which has resulted in a long and fruitful relationship between various French entities and CPUT.

INSPIRED: Elisabeth Barbier, the French Ambassador to South Africa reflected on the successful relationship her country has with CPUT

Barbier, who is the French Ambassador to South Africa reflected on F’SATI, a joint venture between CPUT and ESIEE-Paris, a graduate school in France.  

Established several years ago, F’SATI houses CPUT’s postgraduate programme in Satellite Systems Engineering. The unit is responsible for building and launching Africa’s first nanosatellite, TshepisoSAT.

Barbier says other notable partnerships include the establishment of the Product Lifecycle Management Competency Centre at the Bellville Campus as well as the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the university’s School of Sport, Events, Tourism and Hospitality and the Ferrandi French School of Culinary Arts.

She says the French Embassy and CPUT will soon also sign an agreement that will see the roll-out of French lessons at the university.

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.

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.

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.

The internationally acclaimed French South African Institute at CPUT, which made history when it launched Africa’s first nano-satellite in 2013, today celebrates another milestone for our space industry.

Government officials and industry representatives will be among the guests at the official send-off ceremony for ZACube-2, South Africa’s most advanced CubeSat to date.

ZACube-2 is a triple unit CubeSat - three times the size of its predecessor - which was called TshepisoSat.

Nano-satellites are small satellites weighing between 1kg and 10kg. A CubeSat is a square-shaped version of a nano-satellite.
ZACube-2 was developed by F’SATI’s Satellite Programme and will be launched into space later this year.

F’SATI director Prof Robert van Zyl said ZACube-2 would now be shipped to The Netherlands where it would be integrated with other CubeSats. It would then make its way to India from where it will be launched.

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 veld fires.

Van Zyl said 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.

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, Stellenbosch University (CubeSpace), Astrofica, Luvhone, Etse, Spaceteq and Clyde Space,

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

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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