The Development of Space Capacities and Capabilities in South Africa

This chapter examines various South African institutions (governmental, non-governmental and private entities) that are involved in space policy processes, the resources that are available to them (such as funds, human and materials: facilities and equipment), and their capacities to mobilise and covert these into capabilities (such as space assets and access). Beyond different government entities for civil, commercial and military space programmes and NGOs, South Africa has the most deregulated African space industry with flourishing private sector. Building on its space heritage, the government has supported science and technological innovations in its academic institutions, which have generated spin-off companies that are playing critical roles in the realisation of set objectives in the national space policy and strategy. This understanding of space capacities and capabilities of South Africa is important to the nexus between the national interests in space, and the extent that such policy objectives have been realised, especially in advancing the development and security aspirations of the people and government.