NASA and the South African National Space Agency ( SANSA ) have signed an agreement for the installation of an antenna at Matjiesfontein ( MTJ ), which will be part of NASA’s LEGS ( Lunar Exploration Ground Sites ) program. This infrastructure will support communications for the Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon.
NASA and SANSA complete antenna installation
SANSA Chief Engineer Eugene Avenant expressed his enthusiasm for the project, which represents an opportunity for South Africa in global space exploration. “ The agreement confirms that the MTJ station will be involved in the Artemis missions, a major achievement for space science in Africa ,” he said. He also underlined the readiness of the facility, whose development is progressing as planned, with construction completed by 2026.
NASA ‘s Kevin Coggins, meanwhile, stressed the strategic value of international networks, such as the MTJ site, in supporting communications and tracking of spacecraft from the southern hemisphere.
The new antenna will improve tracking of spacecraft on NASA missions, while boosting the transfer of technological know-how and growth in the South African space sector. In addition, this agreement has the backing of the South African Department of Science and Innovation , ensuring financial and technical support to complete the installation.
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Source and photo: SANSA
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