Space Operations
Introducing SANSA’s Space Operations Programme
With a legacy spanning over six decades, our expertise in Tracking, Telemetry, and Command (TT&C) support began alongside NASA and JPL in the early 1960s. Today, SANSA Space Operations stands as a global beacon, renowned as the “ground station of choice” for space agencies and satellite operators worldwide.
Nestled in the serene expanse of Hartebeeshoek, our facility is strategically positioned for optimal TT&C operations, catering to geo-synchronous, polar orbiting, and scientific spacecrafts. Equipped with state-of-the-art communication technology and robust power distribution, our antenna systems cover the S, C, X, and Ku bands.
At SANSA, we go beyond boundaries, offering a comprehensive range of TT&C ground segment capabilities and establishments to a diverse clientele. From establishing high-tech ground facilities to the seamless operation and maintenance of these facilities, our dedicated team at Hartebeesthoek ensures every mission’s success.
Location: Where Excellence Meets Serenity
SANSA’s haven lies in the tranquil embrace of the Magaliesburg mountain range, standing proudly at 1553 meters above sea level in Hartebeesthoek. This idyllic setting offers an unparalleled horizon mask, perfect for tracking low-orbit satellites. Situated just 60 kilometres west of Pretoria and 40 kilometres north of Johannesburg, our site boasts a geographical position of Latitude 25° 53′ South and Longitude 27° 42′ East.
Space Operations facility is shielded from nature’s fiercest elements. With no recorded seismic activity and minimal exposure to winds or earthquakes, your missions are in safe hands.
Introducing Matjiesfontein (MTJ): Expanding the Horizons of Space Exploration
In relentless pursuit of innovation, SANSA is set to launch a deep space network ground complex in Matjiesfontein (MTJ), Cape Town. This state-of-the-art facility is poised to kick-start deep space explorations in South Africa and further solidify our commitment to push the boundaries of human understanding of the universe and the solar system.
Building on the legacy of excellence established at Hartebeesthoek (HBK), MTJ stands as an extension of this world-renowned site, revered for its exceptional telemetry, tracking, and command services. As we set sights on the Moon and beyond, MTJ will play a pivotal role in advancing South Africa’s capabilities to provide superior deep space missions support.
