A National Pathfinder Satellite for South Africa
- Paper number
IAC-05-B5.1.03
- Author
Prof. Sias Mostert, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa
- Coauthor
Mr. Mothibi Ramusi, South Africa
- Coauthor
Dr. Betheul Sehlapelo, South Africa
- Year
2005
- Abstract
ZASat 1 – A National Pathfinder Satellite for South Africa Sias Mostert(1), Bethuel Sehlapelo(2), Mothibi Ramusi(3) (1) Stellenbosch Satellite Engineering Group, Faculty of Engineering, Stellenbosch University, SunSpace, Technopark, Stellenbosch, South Africa (2) Department of Science and Technology, South Africa (3) Satellite Application Center, CSIR, South Africa mostert@sun.ac.za Fax:+27 21 880 1703 Abstract: Satellite technology has been in development since the early 1980\'s in South Africa. Significant government investment led to the establishment of environmental testing facilities and a complete system engineering and subcontractor industry capability. In 1992 the Sunsat program was initiated from a micro-satellite perspective. It is an imperative in terms of satisfying national imperatives of today, to establish a cost effective basis for utilising space. The ZASat 1 Pathfinder mission is a first step in establishing a long term satellite program in South Africa. Since 1994, space activities in South Africa have been the culmination of a number of private initiatives. From a completely indigenous technology base, the Sunsat micro-satellite demonstrated the integration of the capability in the South African industrial base into a cost effective, micro-satellite remote sensing mission. Other initiatives included the cosmonaut Mark Shuttleworth. The first national space development after Sunsat at a national level, is the MSMI satellite imager project in conjunction with Flaanders. << Dieselfde boodskap, maar ander inhoud – nog te skryf>> Developing nations have taken the route of technology transfer programs and as such South Africa is a keen partner for future joint technology development and know-how transfer programs. In particular South Africa has been building on the many decades of electronics, optics and mechanical industry infrastructure developed as part of the drive for self-sustaining defence system development and manufacture. ZASat 1 is based around the 60kg MMSat satellite of SunSpace with a ground spacing distance of 6.5m GSD. The satellite is a new generation technology taking advantage of the innovation in sensor and digital technology. The paper will start with an overview of the heritage of the ZASat 1 Pathfinder, followed by a mission analysis and continue with an overview of the system architecture. The key space craft parameters are reviewed before concluding with the expected outputs of the program. Point of contact: Prof Sias Mostert, University of Stellenbosch, mostert@sun.ac.za Abstract for presentation at IAF B5.1 UN Workshop of Small Satellite Programs for Developing Countries, 17 – 21 October 2005
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-05-B5.1.03.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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