South Africa opens first space agency

South Africa opens first space agency

2010-12-14 10:21:28 GMT+7 (ICT)

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA (BNO NEWS) -- South Africa on Monday announced the opening of its first space office in Johannesburg in order to become Africa's leading Earth observation center.

The observation center of the National Space Agency of South Africa (SANSA) is expected to be fully operational by 2012 and is expected to stimulate investment and local scientific research.

"Our efforts to improve the spatial resources of South Africa will be invaluable for the scientific community in Southern Africa," said Minister of Science and Technology Naledi Pandor said.

SANSA is planning to implement a national space program and will also have the responsibility of acquiring, assimilating and distributing space-derived data to various state entities. For now, the agency will focus on space science research and development.

The space agency currently has two micro satellites with main objectives to capture images and improve the detection and prevention of natural disasters, as well as monitoring water resources of the African continent.

"Our efforts in enhancing space science and technology will also assist in addressing the persistent challenges of health care provision, water resources, agricultural mapping, and urban planning and communications," said Pandor.

SANSA will further focus on Earth observation, space operations, science and engineering, human capital development, science advancement and public engagement. In the future, the agency's space capabilities will be enhanced with a Center of Competence in Optronics and Synthetic Aperture Radar.

South Africa will join Nigeria, Algeria and Egypt as the only countries in Africa to have a space agency. SANSA will cost 65 million Euros (approximately $87 million) per year when operational.

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