Blog

SANSA Space Weather Capability Launch

SANSA Space Weather Capability Launch

SANSA Hermanus

SANSA Space Weather Capability Launch

Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Blade Nzimande launches the SANSA Space Weather Capability in Hermanus.

The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Blade Nzimande, launched South Africa’s new 24-hour, state-of-the-art regional Space Weather Centre in Hermanus, Western Cape on Thursday, 3 November 2022.

The Department of Science and Innovation has made huge investments in establishing a world-class space weather capability that will not only benefit South Africa, but the rest of Africa as well. The Department’s entity, South African National Space Agency (SANSA), developed the new capability. SANSA had been operating a Space Weather Centre for the past 10 years, with limited focus. It has worked on monitoring the sun and its activity and providing space weather forecasts, warnings, alerts and environmental data on space weather conditions. 

"The operational capability has been developed over the past three years and, to date, the DSI has invested over R70,89 million for the establishment of the 24/7 space weather capability," said the Minister.

“In keeping with its objective of supporting the development of a critical mass of skills and expertise needed to give effect to national space initiatives, SANSA supported 46 postgraduate students in key space science disciplines in the 2021/22 financial year. A total of 29800 learners also benefited from SANSA outreach and space awareness initiatives.”

Early warnings and forecasts are crucial for protecting satellites, national power grids, communications and navigation systems from the harmful effects of solar storms and other space weather phenomena. 

"SANSA is a designated centre within the International Space Environment Service and contributes this service as the Regional Warning Centre for space weather in Africa," said Ms Andiswa Mlisa, acting CEO of SANSA. 

“The establishment of this capability includes infrastructure development, instrumentation deployment, product and service development, and capability development through an investment in the required skills. The establishment project commenced in October 2019 and was completed on time and in budget by end of September 2022,” said Dr Lee-Anne McKinnell, Managing Director at SANSA Hermanus.

This development represents the value of science, technology, and innovation in building new applications and technologies in South Africa, and in solving global challenges through the research-to-operations value chain.

SANSA Space Weather Capability Launch

SANSA Hermanus

The South African National Space Agency (SANSA) in Hermanus leads SANSA’s, Space Science Programme. SANSA forms an integral part of the worldwide network of magnetic observatories and assists in monitoring the near-Earth space environment. Additionally, SANSA also provides vital information on spa...

View Profile

What is Xplorio?

Xplorio is your local connection allowing you to find anything and everything about a town.

WATCH THE VIDEO: Welcome to Arniston
Read More

Other Articles

How to Overcome Fear and Reconnect With Your True Self

How to Overcome Fear and Reconnect With Your True Self

When you’ve spent years shaping yourself around someone else’s needs, fears become familiar companions.

11 - 13 July 2025: Wine, Whales and Music 2025

11 - 13 July 2025: Wine, Whales and Music 2025

Join us for our annual celebration of Wine, Whales and Music!

De Hoop Collection
Why It’s So Hard to Leave a Narcissist

Why It’s So Hard to Leave a Narcissist

When you're in a relationship with a narcissist, your emotional world slowly starts revolving around their moods.

Your Business Is More Than a Business - It’s Your Classroom

Your Business Is More Than a Business - It’s Your Classroom

Every challenge, delay, or self-doubt isn’t here to break you - It’s here to show you where you still hold limiting beliefs.

Breakdowns Become Breakthroughs

Breakdowns Become Breakthroughs

I hear that a lot from startup entrepreneurs.

You had the dream. You took the leap. Now what?

You had the dream. You took the leap. Now what?

You’ve read the books. Listened to the podcasts. Watched the experts.

See All Articles