The CSIR Satellite Applications Centre

The National Space Policy and the Implications of the Conventions on Space Objects

Raoul Hodges

Wabile Motswasele

1st September 2009

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Contents

• Overview on the Satellite Applications Centre (SAC)

• Overview of current and future space developments

• SAC role and responsibilities in the space industry

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Overview on the Satellite Applications Centre

• Comprises the research area on space

• Provides two primary services:• Earth Observations to local and regional users

• Space operations support

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Telemetry, Tracking & Command (TT&C)

• Launch support

• Transfer orbit support

• In Orbit testing

• Lifecycle support

• Emergency support

• Carrier Monitoring

• Remote Sensing TM reception

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TT&C Client Base

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Department of Agriculture

Department of Water Affairs

Department of Land Affairs

EOSC Stakeholders

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SAC’s Role and Responsibilities in Relation to the dti Space Policy and

DST Space Strategy

SpacePolicy

SpaceStrategy

SpaceAgency

Act

•Policy Objectives•Improve coordination•Promote capacity building•Facilitate local space capabilities to support policy objectives•Foster a robust science and technology base•Promote a supportive regulatory environment•Promote competitive domestic space sector•Promote improved international cooperation•Promote awareness

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SpacePolicy

SpaceStrategy

SpaceAgency

Act

•Strategy Objectives•To leverage the benefits of space science and technology for scocio-economic growth and sustainable development•Address the priority areas

•Environment Resource management•Health Safety and Security•Innovation, economic growth and social development

•Develop thematic areas•Earth Observations•Communications•Navigation and Positioning•Space Science and Explorations

SAC’s Role and Responsibilities in Relation to the dti Space Policy and

DST Space Strategy

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SpacePolicy

SpaceStrategy

SpaceAgency

Act

•Functions of the Agency•Implement any space programme in line with policy•Implement the national space strategy•Develop thematic areas•Support programmes or projects relating to scientific space research•Cooperate with space related agencies of other countries in the peaceful use and development of space

SAC’s Role and Responsibilities in Relation to the dti Space Policy and

DST Space Strategy

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Framework Role of SAC

Space Policy •Supportive

•Participated and contributed in the Policy and Technical Subcommittee of the Space Affairs Council

Space Strategy •Supportive

•Contributes to the 3 priority areas

Space Agency Act

•Supportive

•Identified as an integral facility of SANSA

SAC’s Role and Responsibilities in Relation to the dti Space Policy and

DST Space Strategy

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In Summary

• A significant role player in the local and international space industry• Established partner as a provider of Remote Sensing services and

applications to virtually all Government departments and related agencies• Well established commercial client base in Europe and North America• Serves as outgoing-chair of the Committee of Earth Observing Satellites

(CEOS)

• SAC is the space operations agency for SumbandilaSAT• SAC is identified as an integral component of the South African

National Space Agency• SAC supports the ratification of the international conventions

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Thank youThank you

The Earth is the cradle of humanity, but one can not live in the cradle forever