Amaya Space (Pty) Ltd has the potential to become a multibillion-rand space company that can transform the satellite industry, said East London-born chief executive Siyabonga Copiso.
Amaya launched its first satellite in December last year, using a Russian rocket launcher. It has another in the pipeline, which should launch in two to three months, and 11 more scheduled in the next few years, in partnership with government’s Operation Phakisa.
Amaya launched its first satellite in December, has another in the pipeline and 11 more scheduled in the next few years, in partnership with government.
Amaya, spun out from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), is the leading nanosatellite-focused space manufacturing and services company in Africa. Its focus is commercialising innovative nanosatellite communications solutions, that were developed at CPUT over the past 10 years.
While Africa has launched 1% of global cube satellites, it should be ahead of this, and risks falling behind. Amaya is ensuring that Africa does not miss out on the many opportunities that space infrastructure and technology will unlock. Copiso said Amaya would keep on its successful trajectory, as it will result in job creation and improvement in the quality of life for the ordinary South Africans Amaya is at the forefront of the fourth industrial revolution.
Amaya, stems from “Tsamaya”, the word expressing South African footballers’ creativeness, flair and individual brilliance. In Amaya’s context, it represents the team’s rich talent, academic genius and skill, which is producing game-changing products and solutions.
“With CPUT, we launched a satellite in December and will launch our second very soon. Our technology is at the forefront of the industry. We aim to make Africa a global player within the satellite industry, and not mere consumers of space-based services.”
It is part of a team that will launch 11 satellites over the next few years. Nanosatellite solutions can provide services to support Phakisa, for example in the maritime industry.
Nanosatellite solutions can provide services to support Phakisa, for example in the maritime industry.
“We have strategic partnerships with local and international industry, which further strengthens our position as a leading space company on the continent,” said Copiso.
Copiso, Amaya’s first CEO, is a 10-year veteran of the space industry. Before joining Amaya, he was with the SA National Space Agency, responsible for space industry development, including the growth of SMEs.
“We have an exceptional group of young South African researchers, technicians and engineers. Our talent pipeline is continuously being fed by the space programmes at CPUT, ensuring that the brightest young minds get exposure to this exceptional new industry.”
Amaya and CPUT have pioneered nanosatellite technology on the continent through launching Africa’s first CubeSat into space.
Academic ties with CPUT’s research and development (R&D) departments ensure that the company stays at the cutting edge of the market, without directly incurring the cost of its own R&D department.
Copiso said he was aware that the lure of foreign currency was attracting many in his profession to leave South Africa.
“I’ve never considered it. Africa is the future of the space satellite industry. The world’s leading companies are coming here, which ensures a continuous demand for highly skilled professionals.”..