The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) has solidified South Africa’s presence in the realm of aerospace engineering with the official launch of its Aerospace Systems Research Institute (ASRI).
The newly inaugurated ASRI aims to spearhead the development of an indigenous, commercial space launch capability for South Africa. Deputy Director Glen Snedden underscores the institute’s focus on the design, development, and testing of aerospace propulsion and flight systems. This initiative operates in close collaboration with UKZN’s Mechanical Engineering faculty to realise its objectives.
Snedden emphasises the necessity of not only engineering the components but also securing launch sites and requisite permissions. He highlights ongoing efforts to upgrade the launch site at Overberg to accommodate potential rocket launches.
Since 2009, UKZN engineers have made significant strides, having built and tested numerous research rocket motors and conducted several sub-orbital rocket flights. Moreover, the institute has facilitated the graduation of a substantial number of master’s degree students in mechanical engineering and expanded its programme to other universities, fostering talent development in the aerospace sector.
