From Atoms to Orbits: Building Local Partnerships to Underpin a Global Vision for African Sovereign Space Access
- MURA Author
- Apr 7
- 3 min read
Mura Space recently had the privilege of spending the day with the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s (UKZN) Aerospace Systems Research Institute (ASRI)—its partner in the commercialisation of the South Africa Sounding Rocket Facility at the Overberg Test Range. The visit focused on the future of Africa's commercial space access value chain and South Africa’s strategic independence in space.
The visit featured a fireside discussion with Mura Chairman and Co-Founder, Mr. Roger Jardine, and the engineers, researchers, and students who underpin ASRI’s global centre of excellence in aerospace propulsion R&D and manufacturing.
At the historic Howard College Theatre, Mr. Jardine shared his unique perspective on recent South African history in science and technology policy—from his time actively engaged in the debates around South Africa’s nuclear disarmament, and as the youngest ever Director General engaged in restructuring the S&T system as well as finalising the white paper on science and technology which led to the creation of new institutions.
Mr Jardine touched on the Artemis Accords, a non-binding set of principles and guidelines designed to govern civil space exploration and the sustainable use of outer space in the 21st century. He expanded on the topic of “Astro-politics” as a means of navigating the complex needs and challenges of humanity's common good across the cosmos. It is clear that astro-politics is a relevant challenge for all spacefaring and space-ambitious nations, such as South Africa.
He also reflected on space as “the common heritage of humankind” found in various space policies and how this concept may be implemented.. His conclusion was that the cornerstone of South Africa’s response to the growing global space economy was the development of a sovereign launch capability - this would place the space sector firmly in the country’s industrial strategy.
ASRI Directors, Professor Mike Brooks and Professor Jean Pitot, provided the Mura team with a tour of their advanced manufacturing and engine testing facilities, reinforcing the importance of their work for South Afirca's space engineering economy.
Regarding the synergy with Mura Space, Professor Mike Brooks, ASRI Director & Co-Founder, notes that:
“We continue to be excited about our commercial partnership with Mura and the prospects for the growth, development and success of the suborbital and orbital value chain in southern Africa. ASRI represents the leading rocket science capability on the African continent, and the future of sovereign space involves leveraging and forging commercial and technology partnerships – the collaborative effort to commercialise the South Africa Sounding Rocket Facility at the Overberg Test Range is a foundational stepping stone towards the goal of realising African sovereign success in the space domain.”
Frederik de Ridder, Mura Space CEO, notes that:
As Mura , we believe that Africa’s path to space sovereignty will be built on the strength of homegrown innovation, STEM human capital development initiatives as well as international partnerships across the space access value chain. Supporting and evolving new dimensions in our relationship with ASRI is a natural alignment of long-term visions in our mission to build a globally competitive launch value chain in the local environment - we aren't only reaching for orbit; our long term goal is to play a role in ensuring that Africa can earn a fair share of the expanding global space economy. The suborbital gantry project is just the beginning of what this collaborative ecosystem can achieve. We extend our gratitude to the ASRI team for their warm welcome and for “Inspiring Greatness” among the next generation of African aerospace innovators.
Recap: ASRI successful 2024 Phoenix Sounding Rocket launches at Overberg Test Range
Comments