The South African National Space Agency (SANSA) and the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos) have signed an agreement that will see the countries working together closely on science and space technologies
The RadioAstron space satellite agreement was signed while Russian president, Vladimir Putin was visiting the country for the recent Brics Summit in Durban, South Africa.
"This agreement not only confirms a strategic role we can play in the area of global space science and technology due to our geographic location in the southern hemisphere, but also provides an opportunity to use space science and technology to contribute towards socio-economic development." South Africa's science and technology minister, Derek Hanekom.
The RadioAstron satellite, which was launched by Roscosmos in July 2011, carries a radio telescope that will obtain images and coordinates of various radio-emitting objects.
Under the new agreement, Roscosmos will provide the hardware for upgrading the tracking station (antenna) for compatibility with RadioAstron. SANSA will be responsible for installing and maintaining the upgraded hardware and operating the tracking station.
