SANSA's Recent Hosting of Local Students for Engineering Practical Studies

SANSA hosts local youth for practical experience during their engineering studies.

Three local students worked at the South African National Space Agency (SANSA) in Hermanus for four weeks to complete the practical requirements of their engineering studies at Stellenbosch University (SU).

Simon van Wezemael and Elizabeth Montgomery are both third-year mechanical engineering students from SU, and Danie Gouws Jnr is a fourth-year electrical engineering student from SU. Simon and Danie graduated from high school at Hermanus High, and Elizabeth graduated from Curro Hermanus.

During their time at the space agency, the students were tasked by SANSA's Applied Science and Technology Manager, Danie Gouws Snr, to build a demonstrator for Faraday's First Law of electromagnetism, which states: when a changing magnetic field is in close proximity to an electrical conductor, an electrical current would be generated in the conductor."

"Using CAD design software and a 3D printer, the students completed an interactive demonstrator that generates a current and sends a small satellite into orbit around the Earth. All three students said they enjoyed their practical time at SANSA, as they had all grown up with regular visits to the space agency during public tours and open days.

The demonstrator will be used during SANSA's Public Tours to illustrate scientific concepts to the public.

SANSA previously hosted Elizabeth last year, along with another local, Lupho Hoyi, a Chemical Engineer from the University of Pretoria who worked on a Python code that monitors the performance of SANSA instruments.

Acting Managing Director of SANSA, Jonathan Ward, said SANSA is proud to support the education and training of local students and young professionals. "I encourage more young people to consider a career in the science, technology, engineering, and math fields."

SANSA Public Tours take place on Wednesdays at 11:00 and are free of charge. Book your spot at 028 312-1196.