S3C Software Defined Radio to power South African M2M-Sat

Blade Nzimande, South Africa’s Minister of Science and Innovation released a statement on March 25 announcing two maritime industry nanosatellites. The statement continued, stating that:

“In the South African context, the space industry ecosystem, including supporting space engineering programmes, human capacity development, infrastructure investments and technological innovations is part of the high-end infrastructure sectors that are critical to the country's economic recovery.

South Africa needs a more strategic and coordinated approach to ensure optimal surveillance of the waters off its coast, including shipping movements within the country's exclusive economic zone, promoting improved maritime domain awareness and enhanced maritime security.

The development and commercialisation of the M2MSat platform will position South Africa as a key contributor of innovation in the space sector globally, feeding into the space value chain, growing partnerships with industry and fast-tracking the creation and exploitation of space knowledge and innovation. ”

These satellites will be powered by S3C’s VHF Data Exchange System (VDES) technology developed for its terrestrial maritime products, adapted as required to enable satellite M2M (machine-to-machine) communication specifically for the maritime industry.

Funding for the project was provided by the South African Department of Science and Innovation via the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), to the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), which is a leading developer of nano and cube satellites for South Africa’s space industry.