National Space Conference 2024: A Bold Step Towards a Sustainable Future
The National Space Conference (NSC) 2024, hosted at the CSIR International Convention Centre from 28 to 30 August, marked a pivotal moment in South Africa's mission to leverage space science and technology for sustainable development. Organised by the National Earth Observations and Space Secretariat (NEOSS) and the South African National Space Agency on behalf of the Department of Science and Innovation, the conference brought together national stakeholders and international experts under the theme "Space Science and Innovation for Sustainability."
This year's NSC was more than just a gathering; it served as a dynamic platform for innovation, collaboration and inspiration. The conference provided a platform for showcasing space science's impact on advancing sustainable development, with each day dedicated to a specific theme: Space Science and society, economy, and environment.
A Call to Action for Social Sustainability
The event kicked off with a focus on "Space and Social Sustainability," coinciding with South Africa's celebration of 30 years of democracy. Lulu Makapela, CSIR Manager for NEOSS, opened the session by highlighting the significance of the National Space Conference as a platform for advancing South Africa's space agenda.
In his welcome address, Dr Motodi Maserumule, CSIR Group Executive: Advanced Production and Security, emphasised the challenges facing the continent, particularly the high unemployment rate. "We are running behind, ladies and gentlemen, as a continent. Some of our numbers are not looking good. In South Africa, we have an unemployment rate that is north of 30%, and for the youth, the situation is much more dire," he stated. However, Maserumule's message was one of optimism and action. He implored all participants to immerse themselves in the conference, saying, "This is the time to challenge ourselves to think boldly, to think out of the box and to explore new frontiers in space science and innovation. As Carl Sagan once said, 'Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known.' Let us make this conference the place where we discover that something incredible."
Following the welcome, Daan du Toit, Acting Director-General of the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), delivered Introductory Remarks, emphasising the significant milestones achieved over the last 30 years in South Africa's democratic journey and the critical role space technologies play in national development and global competitiveness.
Notable speakers included Lieutenant General Wiseman Mbambo from SAAF , and Humbulani Mudau, CEO of SANSA. A significant moment in the conference was the Precision Agriculture Information System (PAIS) launch by Prof. Moses Cho, a leading Remote Sensing Scientist and Chief Researcher at the CSIR, who emphasised the benefit and impact of the tool on the farmers.
PAIS is a cutting-edge tool designed to revolutionise the agricultural sector by providing farmers with precise, data-driven insights for optimising crop yields, reducing costs, and promoting sustainable farming practices. Prof Cho's presentation drew significant interest from industry stakeholders, underscoring how space technologies are not only shaping national security and science but also transforming industries like agriculture.
Economic Sustainability: The Power of Communication
The second day of the conference shifted the focus to "Space and Economic Sustainability." Here, effective communication in the commercialisation of space technologies was a key theme. James Barrington-Brown from NewSpace Systems articulated this point clearly: "If you can't communicate what you do to society, then forget about your commercialisation strategy. Commercialisation communication is a very key component of your commercialisation strategy."
Innovative discussions on pioneering Earth Observation Payloads also took centre stage, showcasing promising solutions that could revolutionise our understanding and management of the planet's resources.
Environmental Sustainability
The final day of the conference, themed "Space Science and the Future" provided a forward-looking conclusion to an event filled with visionary ideas and collaborative spirit. Councillor Mothibi Ramusi, Chairperson of ICASA, opened the day with a tribute to Women's Month, recognising the contributions of women in space science.
Over the three days, the NSC 2024 proved to be more than a meeting of minds; it embodied a vision for the future where space science and innovation are integral to building a sustainable world. From groundbreaking economic strategies to reflections on social progress and future ambitions, the conference laid a solid foundation for South Africa's exciting journey in space exploration.
The National Space Conference 2024 also showcased the remarkable strides South Africa has made in space science and its commitment to leveraging space technology for sustainable development. The discussions and collaborations initiated during the event have set the stage for future innovations that will benefit society, the economy, and the environment.
The conference concluded with an inspiring performance by the South African Navy band, leaving attendees energised and ready to drive South Africa's space agenda forward.
As the curtain fell for this year's event, one thing was clear: the future of space science in South Africa is bright, bold, and boundless.
If you missed the conference, you can click here to access the recording. Below are some of the images of the conference, click here for to view all images. Also find the relevant articles about the NSC at https://www.defenceweb.co.za/sa-defence/sa-defence-sa-defence/its-official-the-sandf-has-a-space-command/.
Author: Ms. Mosima Phale, Senior Comms Practitioners, CSIR