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Please take note that e-mail addresses have changed from 1st April 2011 - user id's stayed the same - just the domain name changed, ie jswart@sansa.org.za www.sansa.org.za
Maximising the benefits of space technology
The CSIR Satellite Applications Centre is a key component of the CSIR's efforts to maximise the benefit of information, communications and space technology for industry and society. The centre at Hartebeesthoek is located some 70 km west of Pretoria in the Magaliesberg mountain range and is ideally positioned to provide tracking, telemetry and command (TT&C) services for geo-synchronous and polar orbiting spacecraft to the manufacturers, operators and users of satellites and launch vehicles. It is also ideally situated for satellite data acquisition and as such, delivers earth observation data relayed from satellites to a range of stakeholders.
The CSIR is well placed to play an important role in South Africa's future space agency, whilst maintaining its quality service delivery to the international space sector and in the growing earth observation data management arena. Cabinet approved the establishment of the country's first space agency - tasked with coordinating the use of space technology and local space science research - in 2006.
The CSIR complies with the Spatial Data Information Act and the distribution of imagery under a multi-user license for government, which will ensure more cost-effective data for government and the empowerment of various national imperatives.
The CSIR works in support of space initiatives of the Department of Science and Technology (DST). It will, for example, be the main operations facility for the South African-commissioned and built earth observation satellite, SumbandilaSat.
After many years of negotiation and preparation, construction has started on the Galileo sensor site (GSS) to be hosted at the CSIR Satellite Applications Centre. The GSS site will form part of a worldwide network of reference site receiving signals from the European Galileo satellites to provide services similar to the existing GPS system. The CSIR is excited to be part of this programme as it will enable higher quality geo-location services in southern Africa. The applications will be wide-ranging from everyday car routing already familiar to the general public to asset tracking, shipping and aviation.
The CSIR Satellite Applications Centre has a proud record of ensuring that its operations are executed in a manner that ensures environmental sustainability and remains in harmony with its surroundings.
It is situated in a world heritage site, notably the Cradle of Mankind. Located in a remote, pristine area, it is a matter of management priority to maintain the wellbeing of its environment.
Site infrastructure is maintained by an on-site team. With this infrastructure spread over 42 hectares of bushveld, the centre has endeavoured to give back to nature by the establishment of a relocated herd of blesbok. The antelope number about 14, including yearly increases through breeding.
During the most recent large antenna establishment project, a wetland was created to contribute to the park-like character of the site. This natural feature draws both antelope and other small mammals, as well as birds.
Wastewater generated on site is organically purified and reused for irrigation purposes to ensure that this precious resource is not squandered.
Through enhanced technology, the centre is now using less electricity that in the past (a savings of 10% over the past five years).
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CSIR inspires learners in Limpopo with space technology
