Nasa and Sansa break ground on comms facility to be used in Moon missions

[Hanno Labuschagne]

Nasa and Sansa break ground on comms facility to be used in Moon missions

The Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Nasa) on Tuesday signed a letter of intent to formalise a space exploration partnership.

The signing was followed by a sod-turning ceremony with Nasa and the South African National Space Agency (Sansa), an entity of the DSI, signalling the renewal of the partnership through the establishment of a new communications facility that will help the Artemis missions return humans to the moon.

[SANews]

 

[Gordon_R]

Does anyone know the status of Hartebeesthoek, or has it fallen into disuse?

I'm curious as to the choice of Matjiesfontein, which is a pretty small place. I suppose it has to be outside the SKA radio-quiet zone.

 

[Gimli_]

What a fashion show!

 

[Pak Fa Fui]

Has Artemis left yet

 

[KleinBoontjie]

'Mericans is friendly with us. Probably don't mind the Russians boat camping here.

 

[garyc]

Does anyone know the status of Hartebeesthoek, or has it fallen into disuse?

I'm curious as to the choice of Matjiesfontein, which is a pretty small place. I suppose it has to be outside the SKA radio-quiet zone.

Went to a presentation on this on Monday, which was interesting. The Matjiesfontein site ticks the boxes as far as being a radio quiet zone with good weather (relatively low cloud cover), while also also having good access for logistical reasons. It is also by the turnoff for Sutherland, allowing further logistical integration.

The Hartebeesthoek facility has been used for commercial activity up to now, which will continue under a refined business plan to focus on the main activity areas. There is also a space weather facility that is going to be established at Hermanus.

Another interesting item is the good progress that has been made at UKZN on their sounding rocket work. They have test fired a new engine which also has the potential to provide a growth path to the building of rockets to launch cubesats.