Mura Space and the Aerospace Systems Research Institute (ASRI) at the University of KwaZulu-Natal have signed an exclusive agreement to commercialise ASRI’s South African Sounding Rocket Launch Facility at the Overberg Test Range in Arniston, Western Cape.

The partnership will enable approved suborbital test launches using both existing and mobile launch infrastructure, all under established safety and operational protocols.

The collaboration aims to bolster local research and skills development, promote STEM among young people, and facilitate international knowledge and technology exchange in South Africa’s growing aerospace sector.

ASRI Director Professor Michael Brooks said the partnership marks a significant step towards realising sovereign, locally developed access to space for South Africa and the wider continent.

“By combining our advanced engineering expertise, in-house manufacturing capabilities, and 16 years of innovation with Mura’s commercial vision for launch, we are opening new frontiers for local research, skills development, and global technology exchange. 

We are excited about a launch ecosystem that will empower the next generation and position Africa as a key player in the global aerospace sector,” said Professor Brooks.

Mura Space CEO Frederik de Ridder said that they hope some of these launches will offer new opportunities as well as contribute positively to local educational and human capital development programmes in ways previously not possible.

“It is evident that growth and development in the scale and scope of suborbital activity is the foundational groundwork for orbital launch that South Africa is walking and we are excited about working with key space stakeholders to help grow the momentum towards a historical first commercial orbital attempt from African soil,” said de Ridder.

IOL News

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