SACSA congratulates Dragon Aerospace for launch of satellite Agrisat-1/ZA008
The South African Council for Space Affairs (SACSA) congratulates Dragonfly Aerospace for its successful launch of their satellite, AgriSAT-1 /ZA 008 from USA, Cape Canaveral on a Space X Falcon 9 rocket- Transporter mission 6.
Chairperson of the SACSA, Ms Pontsho Maruping, says this launch is a historical milestone in the South African space regulatory regime, since it is the first ever-commercial satellite licensed in South Africa following seven government-sponsored satellites.
“This successful launch by Dragonfly of AGRISAT satellite shows yet again South Africa’s international capability in the space industry and will boost its credibility for investment in the space area. The launch will enable Dragonfly to continue with its other projects of building a constellation of satellites, whilst firming up localisation through involvement of other companies in this sector and related sector,” she said.
Dragonfly Aerospace, a space technology solutions company based in the Western Cape was established in 2018. The company has invested extensively in infrastructure and Intellectual Property development with the possibility of securing more contracts for future missions.
It is understood that with this launch, there is an estimated future revenue to South Africa of $108m pending successful operation.
Maruping added that the benefits include an increase in the company’s productive capacities, employing and skilling more high-value personnel and enabling broader benefits to other related companies in the industry.
Enquiries:
Bongani Lukhele
Tel: 012 394 1643
Cell: 079 5083 457
WhatsApp: 074 2998 512
E-mail: BLukhele@thedtic.gov.za
