SumbandilaSat

 

SumbandilaSat, formerly ZASAT-002, is a South African micro satellite, which will be launched on a Shtil 2.1 launch vehicle in April or May 2007. The name, which means "lead the way", originates from Venda (TshiVenda). The University of Stellenbosch, SunSpace and the CSIR (Council for Scientific and Industrial Research) were key players in constructing SumbandilaSat.
	The CSIR's Satellite Application Centre (CSIR-SAC) will be responsible for operations, telemetry, tracking, control as well as data capturing. SumbandilaSat is part of a closely integrated South African space programme and will serve as a research tool to investigate the viability of affordable space technology. Furthermore, the data will be used to, amongst others, monitor and manage disasters such as flooding, oil spills and fires within Southern Africa.
The South African Minister of Science and Technology approved the development and operation of a South African commercially developed optical remote sensing system, ZAsat. ZAsat1, developed and built by SunSpace, Inc., of Stellenbosch, will contain a multispectral sensor, operating with a resolution of 6 meters. ZAsat2, operating at higher resolution, is also in development.