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| A reaction wheel, which helps to make adjustments to the satellite’s orientation. |
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To maximise its chances of survival “out there”, the satellite is tested for the expected space environment. Vibration testing, thermal vacuum testing, electromagnetic compatibility testing and thermal cycling tests are carried out at the Institute for Space and Software Applications (formerly known as Houwteq) of the Department of Communications. Their testing facilities at Grabouw simulate the myriad stresses of launch and the final environmental conditions expected in space.
SunSpace is a privately owned company with extraordinarily good connections. Stakeholders include SunSat, the University of Stellenbosch, engineers and former Stellenbosch students, as well as a BEE component that helped to make it a leader in its field. Customers include organisations from Australasia, Europe, South America, South East Asia, the Middle East, and the governments of several developing countries – including South Africa. The University of Stellenbosch will be responsible for associated post-graduate training and scientific research in all aspects of satellite engineering.
Says managing director Bart Cilliers: “We at SunSpace are excited and grateful for the opportunity to partner with the South African government through DST to put our country in the lead in space in the African continent, while at the same time being able to train and excite nine gifted young people for the fledgling space industry.
“We see a strong partnership with government as the key to success in helping to meet its growth objectives for South Africa and Africa, as well as the key to lucrative exports to the rest of the developing world.”
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