The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition has published a draft bill to govern space activities in South Africa. The public has 60 days to comment, MyBroadband reported.
The bill proposes two new bodies. They are the South African Space Regulatory Authority (SASRA) and the National Office for Outer Space Activities (NOOSA). The new framework would replace the Space Affairs Act of 1993.
The department said the two bodies would help keep outer space sustainable over the long term. It said they would also promote responsible space activities to attract investment.
Under the draft, SASRA would be an independent legal body with 14 members. The Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition would appoint them. Parks Tau currently holds that post.
SASRA would act as the country’s space regulator. It would issue authorisations, enforce safety standards and oversee South Africa’s duties under international treaties. It would also advise the minister on all space regulations.
The authority would regulate rocket launches, whether manned or unmanned. Its work would also cover launch facilities, the manufacture of space objects, and their operation in orbit and during re-entry.
SASRA would keep a list of all objects the country has launched into space. It would also register space objects operated in South Africa with the United Nations Secretary-General.
NOOSA would work as the functional arm of SASRA. It would manage the authority’s daily administration, track compliance and maintain the National Space Registry.
One of its main goals would be to create conditions that help the local space industry grow. It would also develop regulations for that environment.
“NOOSA must perform all other incidental work necessary for the performance of the functions of the Authority and its committees,” the bill said.
South Africa already has a space agency, the South African National Space Agency (SANSA). It promotes and develops aeronautics and aerospace research. SANSA falls under the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation.
MyBroadband reported that South Africa does not have space technology on the same level as the United States or India. It said the country does have a growing satellite manufacturing and rocket industry.
The country also has infrastructure that could be used for space work, including the Denel Overberg Test Range. MyBroadband said Elon Musk once considered investing in the site for SpaceX.
Source: this article is based on reporting by MyBroadband. Image: MyBroadband. Written with the help of AI and published by the Tzaneen Voice Technology desk. See our Editorial Standards.
Werner Jacobs covers technology for Tzaneen Voice. Werner reports on mobile networks, data prices, internet access, smartphones, apps, AI, cybersecurity and South African tech companies. Each story explains what a new product, price change or policy means for ordinary users in South Africa.