The ZACube-2 was launched together with small satellites from the US, Japan, Spain and Germany. It will be orbited as a secondary payload in a launch mission designed for real-time monitoring of natural and man-made disasters and other emergencies.
Described as the most advanced of its kind on the continent, the ZACube-2 will provide cutting-edge remote sensing and communication services to South Africa and the region.
Weighing just 4kg, the ZACube-2 is South Africa’s second nanosatellite to be launched into space. It is three times the size of its predecessor, TshepisoSat.
The project is funded by the department of science and technology. It is managed by the South African National Space Agency in cooperation with the University of Montpellier in France, the French Embassy and the Paris Chamber of Commerce.
In April this year, Kubayi-Ngubane attended the send-off ceremony and met the team of young people who worked on the ZACube-2.
At the time, the nanosatellite was scheduled to be launched from India in June. Excess capacity induced by primary and secondary payloads on India’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle resulted in a delay, so an alternative arrangement was made to launch from Russia instead.
"The launch of ZACube-2 represents a significant milestone in the nation’s ambition to becoming a key player in the innovative utilisation of space science and technology in responding to government priority areas," said Kubayi-Ngubane.
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