South Africa joins BRICS space program
South Africa, led by President Jacob Zuma on Tuesday, was reported to have announced its decision to join BRICS space program, the first substantive project in the field of space cooperation between the BRICS member countries.
BRICS is a formal partnership between five major emerging economies. It comprises of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS).
South Africa’s joining of the BRICS space program was confirmed in a statement from the South African National Space Agency (SANSA) on Tuesday. In the statement, it was written that the country had joined the Brazilian Space Agency (AEB), the State Space Corporation in Russia (ROSCOSMOS), the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and the China National Space Administration (CNSA).
South Africa joined the BRICS, in a bid to create the BRICS Remote Sensing Satellite Constellation.
Earlier on Monday, the South African National Space Agency (SANSA), informed that a joint committee meeting was held in Haikou, China, with an aim of reviewing and deliberating on the progress of the Remote Sensing Satellite Constellation.
In the meeting, the committee also discussed a draft agreement to be signed later this year, as reported from different sources.
“The BRICS Remote Sensing Satellite Virtual Constellation is a practical step towards high tech cooperation between these countries (BRICS), that will assist in attaining the sustainable development goals and challenges pertaining to our respective economies and societies,” said Vaneshree Maharaj, SANSA spokesperson.
“Two phases have been proposed for the BRICS Remote Sensing Satellite Constellation,” Maharaj explained.
“Phase one,” he elaborated continuing, “comprises of a virtual constellation of existing satellites, while as the second phase, comprises of the new satellite constellation.”
Phase two, according to SANSA also provides the BRICS partners with an opportunity for space solutions.
The provided solutions will be used to meet the challenges faced by humanity, for example the global climate change, major natural and technological disasters and environmental protection.
“We remain committed to ensuring the integration of African space-based knowledge and technology in improving the lives of fellow Africans and welcome such esteemed partners in achieving this important objective,” remarked Dr Valanathan Munsami, South African National Space Agency CEO.
Reporter: Shamilah Namuddu