Durban - The SA National Space Agency (Sansa) and the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos) signed an agreement on a RadioAstron space satellite on Tuesday.
“This agreement not only confirms a strategic role we can play in the area of global space science and technology due to our geographic location in the southern hemisphere, but also provides an opportunity to use space science and technology to contribute towards socio-economic development,” Science and Technology Minister Derek Hanekom said in Durban.
In 2006, the South African and Russian governments signed an agreement to co-operate on the exploration and use of outer space for peaceful purposes.
Sansa CEO Dr Sandile Malinga said the agreement paved the way for the two countries to work together on the development of science and space technologies.
Science and technology spokeswoman Nthabiseng Maoela said the RadioAstron satellite was launched by Roscosmos on July, 18, 2011.
“It carries a radio telescope that will obtain images and co-ordinates of various radio-emitting objects,” Maoela said.
She said the RadioAstron mission would support and enhance investment in radio astronomy infrastructure in Africa, contributing to capacity building and socio-economic development on the continent.
“RadioAstron will complement other radio astronomy facilities in Africa enhancing the continent's reputation as a premier destination for radio astronomy,” she said. - Sapa