Building South Africa’s Space Launch Capabilities

The University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Aerospace Systems Research Institute (ASRI) spearheads efforts to establish South Africa’s space launch capabilities. ASRI’s recent paper outlines that the goal is to provide Africa with sovereign access to space, a critical need in a rapidly expanding global space economy projected to reach USD 1.8 trillion by 2035. Currently, Africa lacks this independent space access, limiting the continent’s ability to engage in and fully benefit from the global space economy. ASRI is focused on developing the necessary technological and human capital to address this gap through its various research and development programmes.

Several factors position South Africa as a pristine destination for facilitating the development of Africa’s first independent space launch capability. Its well-established and vibrant manufacturing industry, skilled workforce, and competent defence and aerospace sectors significantly contribute to this. In addition, the country’s world-renowned Denel Overberg Test Range (OTR) provides an ideal location to launch payloads to polar and high-inclination orbits.

Overview of ASRI

ASRI was officially launched in May 2024 as an evolution of UKZN’s Aerospace Systems Research Group. Its transformation into a research institute allows it to employ full-time engineers and accelerate its technology development efforts. The institute is grant-funded by the South African government’s Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) and the University of KwaZulu-Natal. However, within the coming years, ASRI aims to be financially independent. Currently, ASRI employs 16 engineers and collaborates with numerous students. It is the only entity in South Africa dedicated to rocket propulsion and launch vehicle research and development (R&D). In this context, developing easily commercially viable products and services is essential for the institute’s viability and the sustainability of its goals.

Key Programmes

SAFFIRE is ASRI’s flagship programme, focused on developing the South African First Integrated Rocket Engine (SAFFIRE) to power an indigenous small satellite launch vehicle known as the Commercial Launch Vehicle (CLV). The SAFFIRE engine is the heart of ASRI’s technical development efforts, aimed at producing an entirely South African-manufactured liquid rocket engine. Early testing of SAFFIRE has been successful, with the engine’s performance closely matching predictions. However, some issues, such as injector damage and excessive liner erosion, were identified during testing. ASRI is working on these problems, with further testing scheduled for 2025. The development of electropumps is also advancing, with testing expected to begin in early 2025.

Additionally, the newly initiated In-Space Propulsion programme aims to develop green propellant thrusters for satellite and spacecraft applications. Meanwhile, the Turbomachinery programme is dedicated to designing and testing turbines, compressors, and related systems.

Human Capital Development

ASRI implements several human capital development initiatives to train the next generation of aerospace engineers and specialists. The flagship programme in this area, the Phoenix Programme, focuses on designing, building, and testing hybrid-sounding rockets for student training. This initiative has successfully launched six hybrid rockets, with the Phoenix-1B Mk II currently holding the African altitude record of 17.9 kilometres. Further flight tests are scheduled for December 2024. Additionally, ASRI engages with school students through its Schools Outreach programme, which introduces them to aerospace engineering and STEM fields, particularly targeting underprivileged communities.

CLV Small Launch Vehicle Concept

The conceptual design of ASRI’s Commercial Launch Vehicle (CLV) stems from the institute’s participation in a feasibility study conducted in 2020. The study was conducted by a national task team established by South Africa’s Department of Science and Innovation. Furthermore, this study assessed the technical and socioeconomic viability of developing and operating an indigenously produced commercial satellite launch vehicle within South Africa. After evaluating the technological capabilities of the South African industry, the study concluded that local development of the CLV was entirely feasible and identified numerous socioeconomic benefits associated with the initiative. It emphasised the significant strategic and geopolitical advantages of a sovereign space launch capability for the country and the African continent.

The CLV is designed as a microsatellite-class launcher with a payload capacity of 200 kg to a 500 km sun-synchronous orbit. It is a two-stage liquid propellant vehicle powered by nine SAFFIRE engines in the first stage. A vacuum-optimised engine powers the second stage. The 9+1 engine configuration also balances performance and manufacturability within South Africa’s current industrial constraints. The vehicle is expected to launch from the Denel Overberg Test Range (OTR).

The Denel Overberg Test Range (OTR)

The Overberg Test Range (OTR), located at the southern tip of Africa, is ideal for launching payloads into polar and sun-synchronous orbits. It features a flight test arena with an unlimited flight ceiling and world-class optical and radar tracking systems. In addition, the range’s minimal air traffic makes it ideal for orbital launches without requiring trajectory adjustments. The OTR will be the launch site for the CLV and other future space missions from ASRI. In addition, the centre also offers suitable weather-related launch criteria, providing up to 49% of the year available for launch windows, according to historical meteorological data. 

Supporting Infrastructure

In addition, ASRI is developing several infrastructure projects to support its R&D efforts. These include 

1. A commercial-sounding rocket gantry at the OTR is designed to launch rockets weighing up to 2,600 kg. The facility was recently commissioned.
2. A permanent rocket engine testing facility at OTR will be established to facilitate the qualification and acceptance testing of the SAFFIRE engine. Construction is scheduled to begin in Q1 of 2025.
3. An advanced manufacturing facility at UKZN to enable in-house production of critical components. This is scheduled for commissioning in early 2025.
4. A green propellant laboratory to support its in-space propulsion programme. This will be complemented by a small propulsion system test facility scheduled for full commissioning in early 2025. Additionally, the facility can test in-space thrusters, catalyst beds, liquid propellant injectors, and small rocket engines.

Conclusion

Africa depends entirely on foreign nations for space access. This leaves its countries and companies vulnerable economically and in geopolitically compromised positions. Furthermore, this reliance will persist until Africa develops a sovereign space launch capability. ASRI is tackling this major challenge by building the technological and human capital necessary for an indigenous space launch capability in South Africa and across Africa.