South Africa is gearing up to host the second National Space Conference (NSC) at the CSIR International Convention Centre in Pretoria.
Scheduled from August 28 to 30, 2024, the event is organized by the National Earth Observations and Space Secretariat (NEOSS) and the South African National Space Agency (SANSA).
The theme for this year’s conference is “Space Science and Innovation for Sustainability.” The event will focus on advancing South Africa’s and Africa’s space ecosystems.
The NSC 2024 will gather a diverse group of stakeholders. These include researchers, academics, public servants, businesses, data suppliers, consultants, and NGOs.
This event offers a valuable platform for these participants to engage, share ideas, and discuss ways to build a sustainable space ecosystem. The conference aims to encourage collaboration across various sectors, promoting national growth through innovative space programs.
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Spotlight on African Space Collaboration
Leaders of several African space agencies will also attend the conference. They will explore South Africa’s space capabilities and seek partnership opportunities.
Before the conference, these officials visited key space facilities across South Africa, gaining insights into the country’s advancements in space technology. Representatives from countries like Kenya, Egypt, Namibia, and Ghana participated in this national tour.
In a world facing challenges like water scarcity, food insecurity, and environmental disasters, integrating space science is crucial.
NSC 2024 will emphasize the importance of space and Earth observation technologies in decision-making processes. The conference will highlight how these technologies can promote societal, economic, and environmental progress.
South Africa is poised to make a significant impact on its space sector with NSC 2024. This event follows the country’s recent success in hosting Africa’s first-ever IAU General Assembly.
The NSC aims to build on this momentum by fostering discussions on sustainability and collaboration. Ultimately, the conference will help create a robust space ecosystem that supports national development and addresses global challenges.