Investigation of feasible options for developing a micro-launcher industry in South Africa
- Paper number
IAC-18,D2,2,12,x47653
- Author
Ms. Tori Campbell, South Africa, University of Cape Town
- Coauthor
Dr. Peter Martinez, South Africa, University of Cape Town
- Coauthor
Dr. Rene Laufer, United States, Baylor University / University of Cape Town
- Year
2018
- Abstract
Small satellites have dramatically lowered the barriers to participating in space activities for many developing and emerging countries. However, affordable and fast access to space remains a challenge despite a large number of planned micro-launchers by new space start-ups as well as established launch providers. Most of the current spaceports in the world are located in the northern hemisphere, and there are currently no operational spaceports in Africa. As part of an on-going study at the University of Cape Town's SpaceLab this paper presents a status of the investigation and its initial results. In this study the potential for developing a micro-launcher industry in southern Africa is explored, building on the launch facilities established for the previous space programme of the 1980s and early 1990s, and existing capabilities in present-day academic institutions and industry. Potential markets, technical feasibility and available infrastructure, regulatory and policy aspects of such a venture are reviewed and several possible options for establishing a small-sat launch capability in Africa are investigated, ranging from a simple “ship and shoot” scenario with no indigenously developed technology, to more complex cooperative arrangements with several levels of technology development with potential international partners.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-18,D2,2,12,x47653.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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