July 3, 2026
The South African National Space Agency (SANSA) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing international cooperation in the space sector while exploring new opportunities created through the formal inclusion of BRICS+ member states. This follows SANSA’s participation in the Meeting of Heads of Space Agencies (HOSA), held on 23–24 June 2026 in Bengaluru, India.
Hosted by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Department of Space (DOS), with support from India’s Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) of the DOS, the meeting was convened under the theme of the Indian BRICS Presidency: “Building Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability” with a specific focus on Sustainability and Cooperation.
In attendance were Heads of Space Agencies and official delegations from the expanded BRICS + nations of Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates, marking one of the most significant engagements since the expansion of the BRICS grouping. Representing South Africa, SANSA CEO Mr Humbulani Mudau supported by Ms Asanda Ntisana, welcomed the opportunity to broaden collaboration beyond the current BRICS Remote Sensing Satellite Constellation Initiative being implemented by the original BRICS Space Agency Partners, whilst integrating the new member states into its existing collaborative projects of the initiative. SANSA views the expanded platform as an opportunity to deepen cooperation not only among national space agencies but also among research institutions, universities, industry partners and emerging space enterprises across the BRICS+ community.
The discussions of the Meeting underscored the growing importance of collective action in addressing shared challenges and maximizing the developmental impact of space technologies. The Heads of Agencies exchanged experiences on regulatory frameworks, governance mechanisms and best practices designed to ensure the long-term sustainability of space activities and reduce the risks associated with space debris.
Mr Mudau’s interventions emphasized that the inclusion of the new BRICS+ members creates a stronger and more diverse partnership capable of delivering tangible outcomes in space technology innovation; and expressed readiness to explore new avenues of cooperation in space applications and technology development; space weather research; supporting deep space missions and formulating stringent BRICS Space Positions on matters pertaining to the long term sustainability of outer space which could all be implemented as projects of a BRICS Space Council. The establishment of a BRICS Space Council was discussed as an initiative aimed at providing a more structured framework for strategic cooperation among member nations with specific areas of engagement to harness the collective scientific, technological, and industrial capabilities of the enlarged partnership.
Delivering the valedictory address, India’s Honourable Minister of State for Space, Dr Jitendra Singh, encouraged member countries to move beyond dialogue and translate their shared vision into practical collaboration that delivers measurable benefits.
As the BRICS + space agenda continues to evolve from coordination to co-creation, SANSA stands ready to contribute to and benefit from an increasingly integrated and collaborative space ecosystem. The Bengaluru meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from all member states to transform shared ambitions into concrete programmes and projects, reinforcing the role of space as a powerful driver of resilience, innovation, sustainability, and international cooperation in the BRICS+ era.
