South African National Space Agency (SANSA)

Got questions about the SANSA mascot design competition?

We've got answers!

Swipe through our FAQs to find out who can enter, what you need to submit, whether you need design experience and what happens to the winning design.

Learners in Grades 8-11 can enter by visiting https://mascot.sansa.org.za

SAASTA Department of Science,Technology and Innovation SA National Research Foundation

Two weeks to go!

South African learners, this is your reminder that we want you to design the official mascot for South Africa's national space programme. No design experience is required!

If you're in Grades 8-11 at a registered South African school, here's how you can enter:

🎨 Draw your mascot character
✍️ Write a short explanation of your idea
📤 Submit your entry via our online portal
⏰ Entries close at midnight on 14 September 2026.

Enter now by visiting https://mascot.facebook.com

Department of Science,Technology and Innovation SA SAASTA National Research Foundation

Great mascots are built on ideas, not artistic ability. After all, some of the world's most memorable characters started as simple sketches with a brilliant concept behind them.

Swipe through for a few easy design tips, then grab a pencil and start creating.

Who knows? Your mascot could become the face of South Africa in space.

https://mascot.sansa.org.za

SAASTA National Research Foundation Department of Science,Technology and Innovation SA

Calling All Vendors!

The South African National Space Agency (SANSA) is hosting an exciting Open Day, and we’re looking for vendors to join us! This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your products and services to a diverse audience. Whether you sell delicious food, unique crafts, or anything in between, we want you to be part of this special day!

📆Date: 3 October 2026
📍Location: Hospital Street, Hermanus
⌚Time: 09:00 – 14:00

What We Offer:
• A dedicated stall space at the SANSA Open Day.
• Access to electricity (you must bring your own equipment).
• An opportunity to reach a wide audience including families, kids, and space enthusiasts.
Limited spots available!

How to Apply:
• Complete our Vendor Request Form and submit it by 4 September 2026 at 12:00
• Vendors are responsible for bringing all necessary equipment (tables, chairs, etc.).

For more information, contact Nicole Strauss at [email protected] or 028 285 0048
Join us and make the SANSA Open Day an unforgettable experience for everyone!

Download the form here: chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://ow.ly/V9EH50ZFYMZ

SANSA’s Earth Observation Intelligence for Smarter Financial Risk Management

Financial institutions are increasingly required to respond rapidly and accurately to claims arising from natural disasters, fires, and other environmental events. Advances in satellite-based Earth Observation now enable these impacts to be assessed with greater accuracy, speed, and transparency.

The South African National Space Agency (SANSA) provides Earth Observation satellite data and analytical solutions that support financial and insurance institutions in:

• Quantifying damage following natural disasters and wildfire events
• Providing independent, evidence-based assessments to support claims verification
• Strengthening risk management and due diligence processes
• Enabling data-driven decision-making through reliable satellite intelligence

Through SANSA’s advanced Earth Observation capabilities, financial institutions can strengthen their ability to respond to disaster-related claims while improving transparency, efficiency, and accuracy in assessments.

For more information about SANSA’s Earth Observation products and services, please contact Customer Services: [email protected] or contact Mr. Khumbulani Mkhize: [email protected]

FNB Hollard Compass Insurance Company Limited Old Mutual South Africa OUTsurance Momentum Discovery South Africa Auto&General Insurance Company Ltd Insurance Institute of Gauteng Absa South Africa

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South Africa's space journey has been more than 200 years in the making.

From the first permanent astronomical observatory at the Cape of Good Hope to launching our own satellites and establishing SANSA, every milestone has helped shape the country's growing space sector.

Now it's your chance to become part of that story. If you're a learner in Grades 8-11, we want you to design the face of South Africa's future in space.

Learn more by visiting https://www.mascot.sansa.org.za

South Africa's space journey has been more than 200 years in the making.

From the first permanent astronomical observatory at the Cape of Good Hope to launching our own satellites and establishing SANSA, every milestone has helped shape the country's growing space sector.

Now it's your chance to become part of that story. If you're a learner in Grades 8-11, we want you to design the face of South Africa's future in space.

Learn more by visiting https://www.mascot.sansa.org.za

Department of Science,Technology and Innovation SA , National Research Foundation ,

Below are the winners of the online launch stage final of the Cars4Mars Challenge. These teams have qualified for the Mars Stage Final at SANSA Space Operations. Read more about the challenge: https://ow.ly/eYL650ZCljP

SANSA Uses Satellite Earth Observation intelligence to Map and Analyse Hernic Ferrochrome Tailings Dam Collapse

The South African National Space Agency (SANSA) is using satellite Earth Observation (EO) intelligence to map and analyse the impact of the Hernic Ferrochrome tailings dam collapse near Brits. The analysis provides a clear spatial view of the downstream movement and deposition of tailings and sludge across the mining area, highlighting impacts on access roads and surrounding infrastructure. Sentinel-2 imagery acquired after 13 August 2026 confirms extensive visible sludge deposition around the Hernic Ferrochrome mine, with impacts extending towards the Maroelabult Substation and Eskom power lines. The affected access route from the R566 is also visible, demonstrating the disruption to critical mining, transport and electricity infrastructure. By rapidly delineating the affected area, satellite imagery provides valuable information for understanding the scale and geographic extent of disaster impacts.

This analysis further demonstrates the value of Earth Observation intelligence in supporting rapid disaster assessment, response and recovery. Satellite-based monitoring, including optical and radar remote sensing, can provide authorities with timely spatial information during and following disaster events, helping to quantify affected areas, identify infrastructure at risk, support damage assessments and inform evidence-based decision-making. These outputs can assist disaster management authorities and other stakeholders in identifying affected communities, prioritising emergency response interventions and supporting post-disaster planning. SANSA Earth Observation continues to demonstrate how space-based intelligence can be translated into practical information for decision-makers.

To access detailed reports, maps or Earth Observation imagery and Decision Support Tools, please contact SANSA Customer Services at [email protected] or Khumbulani Mkhize at [email protected].

Parents and teachers, we need your help! 🚀

SANSA is on the hunt for an official mascot to represent South Africa's national space programme. But there's a twist - we want learners in Grades 8-11 to design it.

To help spark creativity and bring science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) into the classroom and the home, we've created a free toolkit including:

💁 An overview of the competition
✍️ Step-by-step entry instructions
💡 Activities help learners develop their ideas
📘 Resources to help spread the word

Download your free toolkit today by visiting https://www.mascot.sansa.org.za/