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Once in orbit, Aeolus can retrieve data from anywhere on the planet, including remote regions that lack ground-based weather stations. (European Space Agency)

First satellite to measure global winds set for launch

The European Space Agency’s Aeolus mission promises to improve short-term weather forecasting and our understanding of manmade climate change.

If you are a young

Sixty years after Sputnik: taking stock and looking to the future

Our fascination with space shows no signs of slowing down, 60 years after the Soviet Union launched the world’s first satellite, Sputnik.

Final frontier: Tiny satellites weighing no more than 1.3kg are gaining global traction as a relatively cheap way to get a foot in the space race door.

Smaller steps for mankind

South Africa is set to launch nanosatellites that will gather valuable data before self-destructing.

Project Flute: DA demands answers for govt’s ‘R1bn’ satellite deal

The DA has requested for government to provide answers about "Project Flute", a satellite contract it says was commissioned over eight years ago.

Previously scientists had shown that chameleons are also able to change their colour with the migration of melanin in and out of cells

SA space agency to offer children a different view of Earth

Sansa will debut satellite imagery tools called mini Fundisa, which aim to launch schoolchildren "into the world of geospatial information".

Troubled satellite-maker may still find space

Beleaguered micro-satellite manufacturer SunSpace may be absorbed into Denel Dynamics, part of defence and arms manufacturer Denel.

TopTV chief executive Eddie Mbalo.

Small fry send out distress signals

TopTV has been struggling to compete against MultiChoice on an unlevel playing field, writes Lloyd Gedye.

People of Earth, this satellite comes in pieces

A satellite the size of a bus is set to tumble to Earth by early Saturday, showering pieces over an as yet unknown part of the planet, says Nasa.

TopTV launches on May Day

TopTV launches on May Day

May 1 will see DSTV’s first competitor TopTV hit the airwaves, offering 55 channels in bouquets that range from R99 to R249 per month.

SA gears up for launch of micro-satellite

Science and Technology Minister Naledi Pandor says that South Africa expects to launch a micro-satellite from Russia next month.

Japan ‘won’t tolerate’ N Korean rocket launch

Japan ”would not tolerate” a North Korean Act that raises regional tensions, the government said on Thursday.

Japan to monitor greenhouse gases from space

Japan’s space agency will launch a satellite later this month to monitor greenhouse gases around the world, officials said on Wednesday

$250m satellite for Africa in pipeline

Satellite firm Intelsat and an SA investment consortium plan to build a -million satellite to serve Africa, it was reported on Tuesday.

Africa’s first satellite ‘fails’

Africa’s first communications satellite has suffered an energy failure just 18 months after its launch.