CEO of the South African National Space Agency Stresses Neutrality in Global Space Collaboration

The CEO of the South African National Space Agency (SANSA), Humbulani Mudau, emphasized that geopolitical tensions do not affect his agency’s collaborations with other nations on space initiatives. During an interview at the 2024 International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Milan, Mudau highlighted that SANSA has no difficulties working simultaneously with major space agencies such as NASA, Roscosmos, and China’s National Space Administration.

He explained that SANSA’s national space program focuses on forming international strategic partnerships and that the agency is open to working with any country that can help advance South Africa’s national interests. He dismissed the notion of having to navigate competing geopolitical interests, stating that “there’s no juggling” involved in these collaborations.

Earlier this year, as a member of the BRICS group, South Africa drew international attention when Mudau publicly supported Russia’s proposal for a BRICS Space Council, which would coordinate the space-related activities of BRICS member nations and potentially compete with other multinational space agencies, like the European Space Agency.

This week, Mudau rejected suggestions that SANSA would struggle to collaborate with space agencies from rival geopolitical groups, explaining that the agency successfully partners with a range of nations, both within and outside the BRICS and BRICS Plus groups. He noted that although Africa is SANSA’s primary focus, its relationship with NASA remains one of the strongest, with numerous collaborative initiatives dating back to South Africa’s support of the Apollo mission.

South Africa also maintains space-related ties with Australia, as both countries co-host the under-construction Square Kilometre Array (SKA) Observatory under a shared agreement.

Despite SANSA’s relatively low international profile, Mudau pointed out the country’s “pockets of excellence” in space research and development. He stressed the need to revamp the South African education system to prioritize STEM subjects, which would create a robust ecosystem for the space industry across the African continent.

Reflecting on his previous role as chief director of space, science, and technology at South Africa’s Department of Science and Technology, Mudau highlighted that his current focus is ensuring SANSA is fully prepared to manage the recently completed USD 253 million Space Infrastructure Hub. As SANSA’s CEO for the past 18 months, Mudau has overseen the agency’s efforts to develop aeronautics and aerospace research, including the operation of Africa’s only Space Weather Regional Warning Centre, part of the International Space Environment Services.

Mudau outlined his strategy to strengthen SANSA by reviewing the agency’s capacities and ensuring it has the necessary skills to manage projects effectively, delivering them on time and within budget.

Joining Mudau at the 2024 IAC are over 50 heads of national space agencies, including NASA’s Bill Nelson, Japan’s Hiroshi Yamakawa, Josef Aschbacher from the European Space Agency, and Enrico Palermo from the Australian Space Agency.

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