Stellenbosch University (SU) has highlighted the role of its Electronics Systems Laboratory (ESL) in the groundbreaking Africa2Moon space mission, which will form part of China’s Chang’e-8 robotic lunar probe, set to launch in 2029. The South African-led Africa2Moon is the first all-African space exploration mission, and was selected by the Chinese National Space Administration (CNSA) as one of the 11 international payloads to be carried by Chang’e-8, which will land in the lunar South Polar region and deploy a rover and a robot.
Lead institution for Africa2Moon is the Foundation for Space Development in Africa, in a collaboration with the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO), the South African National Space Agency, SU, Rhodes University, the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South African companies active in the space sector, and other organisations and institutions. The aim is to deploy a radio telescope technology demonstrator on the far side of the Moon.
“The Africa2Moon mission presents technical challenges unique to the lunar environment,” pointed out SU ESL senior lecturer Dr Arno Barnard. “It serves as a great opportunity to test some of our current technologies and to develop new dedicated components for this mission.”
