Nasa sets sight on N Cape

2006-01-25 08:19

Bloemfontein - The US space agency Nasa may choose the Northern Cape as a site for an array of telescopes and antennae that communicate with spacecraft.

Bernie Fanaroff, of South Africa's Department of Science and Technology, said on Tuesday that Nasa was considering establishing the Deep Space Network Array (DSNA) to replace the existing Deep Space Network (DSN).

"There were discussions with Nasa of South Africa as a possible site for one of their DSNA stations if and when they decide to proceed with the project," Fanaroff said.

"(However) two things still need to happen.

"Nasa has to decide on the basis of their budget that they in fact are going to proceed with the project and secondly that South Africa is where they want to put it."

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Nasa) currently has three DSN stations around the world: one in California and one each in Spain and Australia.

The DSN stations consist of dish-like telescopes and antennae used for command and control of deep space vehicles going to the moon and beyond.

Fanaroff confirmed that a Nasa technical team had visited South Africa in January and February 2005, and inspected several sites around Springbok and Upington in the Northern Cape.

He said on leaving the country they asked for assurance from the government that if the project was approved that the sites be ready for them to start construction within a year.

"This was given, but they (Nasa) made it very clear that it was on the condition that the project is approved by their own internal structures."

Budget problem

However, about the same time the American space agency was subjected to a budget review.

"This is still ongoing and unfortunately this has set things back.

"At the moment we are waiting on them to hear if they are going to take up the project again," Fanaroff said.

He said the Nasa team was favourably impressed with the Northern Cape sites visited.

"I think if they do decide to go on with the project they may well select the Northern Cape. If they solve their budget problem."

Two of the possible sites fall within the Namaqua District Municipality at Springbok.

One is near Steinkopf and the other about 40 kilometres from Springbok on the road to Aggeneys.

Municipal spokesperson Earl Richards said the project would form part of the municipality's developmental programme.

"All the presentations, technical data and assessments have been done," he said on Tuesday.

Benefits expected to flow into the community include jobs, educational skills in relation to science and technology and a boost to regional tourism.

- SAPA