Midrand - In what has been described as a historic day for the country, South Africa launched its national space agency on Thursday.
All the major players in the space sector and well-wishers from other countries were present for the launch of South African Space Agency (SANSA) and the National Space Strategy by Minister of Science and Technology, Naledi Pandor.
South Africa now joins a select group of countries that boast having a space agency.
Outlining SANSA's role, the minister said it would be expected to implement a national space programme and to advise her on strategy and programmes.
It will also have the responsibility of acquiring, assimilating and distributing space-derived data to various state entities.
Pandor said the National Space Strategy would promote research in the areas of astronomy, earth observation, communications, navigation and space physics.
The strategy would also foster international cooperation in space-related activities; and advances scientific, engineering and technological competencies through human capital development and outreach programmes.
Emphasis would be placed on encouraging space science research and development, she added.
The minister said the space industry was a big business and went beyond just space travel. It was an industry with enormous potential future growth.
Over the next five years, South Africa intends to develope a formal space programme.
"Our combined efforts at enhancing South Africa's space capabilities will not only be of immense value to the scientific community in the Southern African region.
"Our efforts in enhancing space science and technology will also assist in addressing the persistent challenges of health care provision, water resources, agricultural mapping, and urban planning and communications," said Pandor.
She also announced further plans aimed at strengthening the space sector, which included the department establishing a Centre of Competence in Optronics and Synthetic Aperture Radar.
Space science and technology were significant contributors to sustainable development on the African continent and SANSA would help play a role in this regard, the minister added.
Chair of the SANSA board, Maurice Magugumela, said SANSA had ushered in a new era in the science and technology landscape in South Africa and the continent.
The focus on SANSA will fall on the themes of earth observation, space operations, science and engineering, human capital development, science advancement and public engagement, he added.
Representatives from the Brazilian and Chinese governments also relayed messages of support for SANSA.
Pandor signed a Memorandum of Understanding relating to data access with both countries.
