Space technology

New X band antenna expands infrastructure at CSIR The CSIR Satellite Applications Centre is currently installing new X band capabilities dedicated to earth observation data reception at its Hartebeesthoek site. This new X band antenna, delivered in August, will be operational by November 2008.

CSIR called upon to provide simultaneous support for two satellites A heavy-lift Ariane 5 rocket blasted off from French Guiana on 10 August 2008 and put into orbit satellites for Japan's Space Communications Corporation and United States operator SES Americom. Since separation, the CSIR Satellite Applications Centre supported both missions (Superbird 7 and AMC 21) on the Ku band during August.