South Africa has teamed up with fellows BRICS members. Brazil, India, China and Russia to create the BRICS Remote Sensing Satellite Constellation.

The South African National Space Agency (Sansa), Brazilian Space Agency (AEB), Russia’s State Space Corporation (Roscosmos), the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and the China National Space Administration (CNSA) held a joint meeting in China this week to review and deliberate on the progress of the BRICS Remote Sensing Satellite Constellation and to discuss a Draft Agreement to be signed later this year.

The BRICS space programme is the first substantive project in the field of space cooperation.

The programme will be carried out in two phases: Phase One comprising of a virtual constellation of existing satellites, and Phase TWO to comprise of a new satellite constellation to be discussed and defined in the near future.

According to Sansa, the intention of the virtual constellation is to establish the remote sensing data sharing mechanism and avail to the partners, space solutions that meet the challenges faced by humanity, such as global climate change, major natural and technological disasters and environmental protection.

“We remain committed to ensuring the integration of African space-based knowledge and technology in improving the lives of fellow Africans and welcome such esteemed partners in achieving this important objective.’ said Dr Valanathan Munsami, Sansa CEO.

[Image – CC PIRO4D]