SANSA Enhances Maritime Security and Environmental Protection Through Earth Observation
The South African National Space Agency (SANSA) plays a critical role in safeguarding maritime environments and strengthening security through its Earth Observation (EO) capabilities. By collecting, processing, archiving, and disseminating EO data, SANSA supports policymaking, economic growth, and sustainable development across South Africa.
Supporting Operation Phakisa and Oceans Economy
As part of its commitment to Operation Phakisa’s oceans economy initiative, SANSA acquires weekly RADARSAT-2 satellite images over South Africa’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), including Prince Edward and Marion Islands. This data feeds into the National Oceans and Coastal Information Management System (OCIMS), managed by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE), enhancing maritime domain awareness and decision-making tools.
Between 2018 and 2020, SANSA supplied over 1,000 RADARSAT-2 images to OCIMS, enabling near real-time vessel tracking and detection of suspicious activities within South Africa’s EEZ.
Key Applications of RADARSAT-2 Imagery
The high-resolution radar data supports:
- Maritime Security: Detecting illegal fishing and unauthorised vessel movements.
- Environmental Protection: Monitoring oil spills and coastal erosion.
- Disaster Risk Reduction: Improving response to climate-related hazards.
- Sustainable Development: Assisting agriculture, water resource management, and urban planning.
SANSA continues to advance its EO capabilities through international partnerships and cutting-edge technology. Furthermore, integrating RADARSAT-2 data strengthens South Africa’s ability to govern ocean resources, manage fisheries, and mitigate environmental risks.
Government agencies, researchers, and private sector stakeholders can obtain RADARSAT-2 imagery and other EO products by contacting customers-eo@sansa.org.za.
This article was originally published on SANSA’s website on April 14, 2025. Read the original article here.