South Africa’s New Sounding Rocket Facility Successfully Launches Two Rockets
South Africa’s newly inaugurated sounding rocket facility successfully launched the Phoenix-1D and Phoenix-1E sounding rockets on 2 December and 4 December 2024, respectively. The Aerospace Systems Research Institute (ASRI) operates the facility under the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). These events mark a pivotal step in advancing the nation’s space capabilities.
The facility’s gantry operated seamlessly during the launches, underscoring the precision and reliability of its design. Both rockets performed admirably during testing, reaching impressive altitudes of 16.6 kilometres and 11.9 kilometres. Notably, one of the vehicles transmitted magnetometer data sampled during its flight back to the ground via a telemetry link. This innovation provides the South African National Space Agency (SANSA) with an additional method for sampling the Earth’s magnetic field, further enhancing the country’s scientific contributions to global space research.
The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) continues establishing itself as a leader in developing high-performance hybrid rocket technology, ranking among the top universities worldwide in this specialised field. Ms Xolile Malembe, a master’s student in mechanical engineering at ASRI, proudly emphasised her role within the programme.
“I am incredibly proud to be one of two women involved in ASRI’s space propulsion programme, showcasing the vital role women can play in shaping the future of aerospace technology and innovation,” said Ms Malembe.
ASRI’s Recent Developments
The launches come shortly after the Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Ms Nomalungelo Gina, officially unveiled the suborbital sounding rocket launch facility at the Denel Overberg Test Range in the Western Cape on 3 December, 2024. Additionally, through a partnership with the University of Glasgow, ASRI recently received funding of ZAR 2 million (USD 108,000) from the UK’s Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT). This collaboration aims to enhance the design and quality of 3D-manufactured components for space propulsion systems.
In a recently signed partnership, ASRI also collaborated with its first commercially paying customer, MaxIQ, to launch a 1U payload aboard the ASRI’s Phoenix hybrid rocket. This test launch is a stepping stone for an even more ambitious mission planned for mid-2025, when students will launch a payload to the International Space Station (ISS). The launch of this national facility represents a major advancement in South Africa’s journey toward establishing a vibrant and sustainable space ecosystem. As operations commence, the facility actively elevates South Africa’s status in global space research while inspiring a new generation of space scientists, engineers, and innovators.