UKZN officially launches its Aerospace Systems Research Institute
South Africa continues to claim its space in the world of aerospace engineering.
The University of KwaZulu-Natal has officially launched its Aerospace Systems Research Institute (ASRI).
The centre, known as ASRI, aims to develop an indigenous, commercial space launch capability for South Africa.
Its deputy director, Glen Snedden, says their focus is on the design, development and testing of aerospace propulsion and flight systems.
He says the institute works closely with UKZN's Mechanical Engineering faculty to make this possible.
"Even if we build a rocket and put it on the back of a truck, it still needs somewhere to launch from. We will need a launch service and all the permissions, and all those things are works in progress, never mind just the engineering supply of the parts but also the actual launch site at Overberg, which needs upgrading."
Sneddon says UKZN engineers have built and tested numerous research rocket motors and flown several sub-orbital rockets since 2009.
"To date, we have had 30 and 40 students graduate with master's degrees and mechanical engineering, and we have extended our programme to the universities, and we can hire staff in the programme."
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