UNISA and STAR.VISION Announce Strategic Partnership in Space Sciences
The University of South Africa (UNISA) and STAR.VISION have announced a strategic international partnership in space sciences, formalised through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The partnership aims to leverage STAR.VISION’s advanced satellite platforms alongside the university’s expertise in artificial intelligence (AI) and data science.
The signing ceremony took place alongside the National Space Conference (2025), held at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research’s International Convention Centre, which is currently showcasing innovations in space and technology.
Empowering South Africa in the Global Space and AI Sectors
This historic collaboration leads to the launch of the Spaceborne AI Algorithm Rideshare Programme, a joint initiative focused on the design, development, testing, and operational deployment of cutting-edge AI algorithms for remote-sensing satellites. This cooperation demonstrates a shared commitment to innovation and positions South Africa as an active contributor in the global space and AI sectors.
As a core partner, STAR.VISION is a renowned Chinese aerospace firm committed to advancing humanity’s computing paradigm from the Earth’s surface to low Earth orbit. The organisation operates China’s largest satellite and provides solutions to space agencies and commercial entities in more than 40 countries, ensuring end-to-end technological sovereignty.
A Partnership to Lead AI Innovation in Space
This cutting-edge collaboration aims to establish a joint research and development team to lead efforts in the development of AI algorithms. Under the programme, UNISA will focus on designing, developing, and optimising AI models, as well as coordinating on-orbit testing. STAR.VISION, meanwhile, will provide technical support, training, and access to relevant datasets while overseeing quality verification, uplink procedures, and on-orbit test operations aboard their satellites. To maximise the impact of their partnership, both organisations will also work together to announce and publish research progress and the successful outcomes of the programme through local and international channels.
Leadership Perspective: STAR.VISION
Noor Fan, co-founder of STAR.VISION highlighted the significance of the partnership with Africa’s largest university:
“It is an honour to work with UNISA to advance research and support academia in the space industry. This is the first agreement we signed with a South African educational institution.”
He continued: “We look forward to supporting students and academics in this field through the innovation and commercialisation of AI models.”
Fan invited UNISA to the launch of their next satellite, scheduled for early 2026.
UNISA Leadership Remarks
UNISA’s Principal and Vice-Chancellor (VC), Prof Puleng LenkaBula, highlighted the importance of the partnership with STAR.VISION:
“I am honoured and appreciative to partner with STAR.VISION to pivot UNISA’s work in the space sciences, and to collaboratively engender success.”
She affirmed that the partnership will positively impact research, development, and commercialisation, unlocking wider opportunities for UNISA in the industry, given the university’s global footprint.
She continued: “We should cultivate partnerships that are as resourceful as this one – we should have multidisciplinary outcomes from this collaboration.”
Strategic Importance of the Partnership
Dr Angie Magabane, Director of UNISA’s Internationalisation and Partnerships Directorate, emphasised that the partnership is essential and expressed confidence in its mutually beneficial outcomes.
Prof Bhekie Mamba, Executive Dean of UNISA’s College of Science, Engineering and Technology (CSET), stated:
“UNISA embraces the value of astronomy as a discipline, and through this partnership, the university’s global footprint will advance. It will also drive commercial value and help build new programmes that will benefit society, academia, and future generations.”
Advancing Research and Global Reach
Prof James Chibueze of the Department of Mathematical Sciences at CSET noted that STAR.VISION focuses not only on business but also on building impactful partnerships. Chibueze, who also helps develop AI algorithms at UNISA, encouraged students to seize the opportunities presented through this collaboration at no cost.
Prof Ernest Mnkandla, Director of UNISA’s Centre for Augmented Intelligence and Data Science (CAIDS) at CSET, remarked:
“The MoU marks a significant milestone for CAIDS in advancing our research in spaceborne AI, and providing access to real satellite data and opportunities for cutting-edge AI innovation.”
He concluded: “This collaboration not only strengthens UNISA’s position in pioneering AI-driven solutions to socio-economic challenges in South Africa and beyond, but also extends our impact into the global space technology arena.”