The ZASat satellite programme innovation and application

Abstract

To date national micro-satellite programmes have only focused on one single satellite. Given the affordability and useful performance of micro-satellites, a long term national programme can be designed around micro-satellites. This paper describes a multiple satellite programme, the ZASat programme as it relates to the objectives that can be achieved through a micro-satellite programme in South Africa, given the current level of South African technology development and the growing interest by various user communities to use space technology. In particular the ZASat programme will make use of the emerging space technologies and show how these can be applied for cost-effective micro-satellite missions through various ways of innovation.