Page 38 - EngineerIT April May Issue 2026

AEROSPACE

“Even so, international engagement “You have to look at it from an Africa-
suggests that the underlying wide perspective, where resources SA’s space play
capability is recognised. Companies are pooled and scale is built in a
see both a market and capability way that allows you to compete
• The South African National
in South Africa. Building on that effectively.”
Space Agency has supported
interest requires coordination
13 satellite launches, placing
that brings together technical James concludes: “South Africa
South Africa firmly in the
expertise, investment and long-term already participates in the global
global space conversation
planning.” space economy through its technical
• Locally built satellite systems
capabilities and involvement in
are already reaching
James emphasises, “You are not international programmes. The next
international markets
going to build this from a small step is to bring those capabilities
• The focus extends beyond
subsystem company alone. It needs together in a way that supports
national borders, with a drive
to be elevated, and that requires a growth, attracts investment, and
to grow a connected African
coordinated approach.” enables the sector to compete at
scale.” space industry
James also highlights the value of • Space data is being
looking beyond national boundaries Follow James Kerr on LinkedIn: applied on the ground
when developing scale and https://www.linkedin.com/in/james- in climate tracking,
competitiveness. kerr-92148a14/ disaster management and
agriculture
• Investment in engineering,
About James: data science and space
James Kerr is an experienced defence and aerospace executive with science skills is building
experience in guiding strategy for new market entry initiatives, facilitating bid long-term capability
strategies, preparing proposals, system architecture, systems engineering • The goal is a full space value
and programme management for complex system solutions. chain, from design and
manufacturing to data and
James offers consulting services to businesses operating in the Aerospace services
and Defence industries, assisting entities trying to enter the defence sector.
This requires facilitating the alignment of strategy in order to enter new Source: SANSA 2025
markets. https://www.sansa.org.za/

38 | EngineerIT April/ May 2026
38 | EngineerIT April/May 2026