Space conference to show rocket launch capability
South Africa's rocket launch capability will be displayed at the National Space Conference, which will be held from 30 August to 1 September in Pretoria.
The University of KwaZulu-Natal's Aerospace Systems Research Institute will be among the 21 exhibitors at the conference and will unveil a scale model of their latest commercial launch vehicle, which will be unveiled on the first day of the conference.
The Aerospace Systems Research Institute has already had some success with its Phoenix sounding rocket programme and the South African First Integrated Rocket Engine (SAFFIRE) liquid rocket engine project.
The aim of SAFFIRE is to develop low-cost, modular rocket engines propelled by 10 liquid propellant engines for an indigenous small satellite launch vehicle.
The National Space Conference aims to advance knowledge about space and Earth observation applications, operations, products and services, and how to use them to improve decision-making and advance society, the economy, and environmental protection.
The conference is organised by the National Earth Observations and Space Secretariat and the South African National Space Agency, an entity of the Department of Science and Innovation, in collaboration with the South African Air Force and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research.
The media are invited as follows:
Date: Wednesday, 30 August 2023
Time: 09:00 to 11:30
Venue: CSIR International Convention Centre
For media enquiries and attendance, contact Thabang Setlhare at 072 659 9690 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or Zama Mthethwa at 082 808 3956 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
