South African National Space Agency (SANSA)

A South African scientific initiative linking agriculture and space research has officially launched today with the Rooibos in Space programme. In a first for the country, Rooibos seeds will be sent to the International Space Station (ISS), combining space-based plant science with hands-on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education.

The launch took place today at Parklands College’s Innovation Centre in Cape Town and brought together representatives from government, academia, education, agriculture and the emerging space economy.

read more: https://www.sansa.org.za/2026/07/rooibos-heads-to-space-in-groundbreaking-south-african-stem-initiative/

Department of Science,Technology and Innovation SA Max IQ Space Rooibos Council

Rooibos heads to space in groundbreaking South African STEM initiative - SANSA A South African scientific initiative linking agriculture and space research has officially launched today with the Rooibos in Space programme. In a first for the country, Rooibos seeds will be sent to the International Space Station (ISS), combining space-based plant science with hands-on Science,....

As space technologies continue to shape our daily lives, it's more important than ever to understand the legal, governance, and human rights issues that come with them.

Join SANSA Legal and Compliance Services for an insightful webinar, "Space Technologies and Human Rights: An African Perspective," featuring Dr Sheetal Soni, Senior Lecturer at the University of KwaZulu-Natal School of Law, moderated by Michael Kabai, SANSA Legal and Compliance Manager.

📅 Date: 18 August 2026
🕙 Time: 10:00–12:00 (SAST)
📍 Online – Scan the QR code on the poster to register.

Department of Science,Technology and Innovation SA University of KwaZulu-Natal

🚀 Bringing science closer to the community!
As part of National Science Month activities, the SANSA Science Engagement Team joined forces with Hawston Library for an exciting holiday programme focused on bringing science, innovation, and discovery to the community. 🌍✨
Learners had the opportunity to engage in fun, interactive activities designed to spark curiosity, encourage creativity, and show that science is for everyone! 💡🔬
Together, we continue to inspire young minds and make science accessible beyond the classroom.

What does the future of South African space exploration look like? SANSA wants you to help us find out.

The South African National Space Agency is inviting learners in Grades 8 to 11 to take part in an exciting national competition: designing SANSA’s very first mascot. This isn’t just any drawing challenge — it’s a chance to create a character that will represent South Africa’s space ambitions for years to come, appearing everywhere from school outreach programmes to national campaigns.

Calling All Young Space Explorers: Help Design SANSA’s First-Ever Mascot! - SANSA What does the future of South African space exploration look like? SANSA wants you to help us find out. The South African National Space Agency is inviting learners in Grades 8 to 11 to take part in an exciting national competition: designing SANSA's very first mascot. This isn't just any drawing ch...

AfriGEO Health and Sustainable Human Settlement Development Webinar

Dear AfriGEO Community,

Greetings from the AfriGEO Secretariat.

AfriGEO and the South African National Space Agency (SANSA) are pleased to invite you to the upcoming AfriGEO Health and Sustainable Human Settlement Development Webinar, taking place virtually on 29th July, 2026 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM SAST (11:00 AM to 1:00 PM EAT (UTC+2)).

This webinar will showcase regional activities that support health decision-making, including health risk modelling and surveillance using Earth Observation (EO) and geospatial technologies. The session will highlight geospatial data and products that support government authorities, researchers, and other stakeholders in evidence-based policy and informed decision-making for inclusive, resilient development.

Participants who wish to present their work on the application of Earth Observation (EO) and geospatial technologies in health-related sectors are invited to submit an abstract for a 10-minute presentation. To express interest in presenting, please select "Yes" in the relevant section of the webinar registration form below. Further information on the abstract submission process, including instructions and the submission platform, will be shared directly with interested participants.

Webinar Details:
Date: 29th July, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM SAST (UTC+2)
Platform: TEAMS
Webinar Registration: https://ow.ly/AWBq50ZlU61

Please note that the meeting link will be shared only with confirmed participants.

Thank you for your continued commitment to the Earth Observation community. We look forward to your participation in this collaborative and insightful engagement.

Feel free to share this invitation within your networks..

Best regards,
AfriGEO Secretariat

🚀 National Science Month 2026 is officially underway!
The National Science Month launch took place on 4 July 2026 at the Vaal University of Technology in Sebokeng under the theme "Science, Technology and Innovation are for Everyone."
SANSA was proud to be part of this national celebration alongside many other stakeholders, showcasing the exciting world of space science and engaging learners through interactive exhibits. 🌍🛰️
This marks the beginning of an exciting month of inspiring young minds, promoting STEM, and bringing science closer to communities across the country.
Stay tuned this is just the beginning, and there's so much more to come!

Commemorating the launch of National Science Month with

You may not be able to see it with your eyes, but space intelligence allows us to understand the quality of our air. SANSA Decision Support tools offers the ability to monitor and track air quality through space data.

Climate change impacts such as severe flooding are increasing in frequency and SANSA's flood monitoring tool is demonstrated by Dr Cecelia Masemola to aid municipalities manage these disasters