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SA, Russia observe earth

Acting CEO of the South African National Space Agency Dr Sandile Malinga signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Professor Alex Perminov, president of the Russian Federal Space Agency, yesterday, on collaboration in the area of earth observation.

The MOU allows for SA and Russia, through their respective space agencies, to collaborate through joint initiatives in the area of earth observation, and also in other important areas of space science and technology, according to the Department of Science and Technology (DST).

“This paves the way for SA to access historic Russian satellite data collected over southern Africa, thus complementing and adding to the richness of archived satellite imagery.”

Malinga pointed out that the MOU would benefit remote sensing applications geared towards addressing SA's socio-economic problems that rely on the use of such datasets.

“This initiative will certainly help bolster our extensive archive of satellite imagery collected over the Southern African Development Community region and facilitate the development of human capital in SA.”

Science and technology minister Naledi Pandor says: “Striking international partnerships of this nature bodes well for SA's standing and positioning in the global space arena and, on the regional front, places us as leaders in the strategic area of remote sensing.”

Home-grown

SA can now produce its own images of the country through its Sumbandila satellite.

The country's progression into space started over a decade ago and can be expected to make further strides in this area, says Lunga Ngqengelele, DST spokesperson.

He says satellite images can be used to serve many functions in SA and help address certain needs.

“It can help the country in many ways. It can help SA in dealing with climate change, we can detect the movement of people in terms of informal settlements and then agriculturally we can determine which land can still be used,” explains Ngqengelele.

The DST says the satellite can collect images during national emergencies, such as floods and fires, and can also map infrastructure and land use, and measure the water levels of dams.

International relations

The minister of international relations and co-operation Maite Nkoana-Mashabane co-chaired the ninth Joint South African-Russian Inter-Governmental Committee on Trade and Economic Co-operation, in Moscow. Co-chairing with her was the Federation's minister of natural resources and ecology, Yuri Trutnev.

The Department of International Relations and Co-operation says the session was concluded when the co-chairs signed a protocol agreement.

In this agreement, the ministers reaffirmed their determination to intensify and deepen mutually beneficial bilateral social, economic and technical co-operation, according to the department.

It adds that the ministers committed to exploit new trade and investment opportunities and to resolve obstacles to bilateral economic co-operation.

“This could enhance development, competitiveness, skills upgrading and generate jobs, and contribute towards improving the livelihoods of the peoples of Russia and SA.”

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