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  • Challenges and the conquering thereof in the space industry in South Africa

    Paper number

    IAC-19,E6,5-GTS.1,8,x52054

    Author

    Ms. Ana-Mia Louw, South Africa

    Year

    2019

    Abstract
    Simera Sense is a spin-off start-up company which falls under the start up company, Simera Group. Simera Sense is based in Cape Town, South Africa and focuses on the commercial development of CubeSat optical payloads. There are unique challenges that face space companies in South Africa and these challenges are amplified for start-up companies. 
    South Africa has a 27% unemployment rate, and more than half of the country is below the poverty line. With these pressing problems, priority for government to support the space industry is low and contracts from government to industry are few and far between.
    Companies like Simera Sense look to private investors, and clients abroad to get a start in the industry. 
    The space industry in South Africa realize the long term economic benefit to the country by investment in deep technology programs with regard to job creation and education and overall economic growth.
    Geography is one of the biggest challenges that plague South African start-ups in high technology industries. Most business trips start with a nine-hour flight. This puts immense stress on resources, and budgets as international travel is expensive, and the cost is amplified by the poor economy in South Africa and the weak exchange rate. 
    To overcome this problem, partnerships are built with international companies, and contractors all around the world are used to reduce the amount of travel for the South African employees and maintain a presence abroad. 
    Although there are many challenges, South African start-ups find means to overcome and be successful. There are numerous success stories in Cape Town, South Africa alone.
    Abstract document

    IAC-19,E6,5-GTS.1,8,x52054.brief.pdf

    Manuscript document

    IAC-19,E6,5-GTS.1,8,x52054.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

    To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.