Space Lab

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Welcome to the UCT SpaceLab

SpaceLab is a new platform created to promote multidisciplinary education and research in space science and technology at the University of Cape Town.

MPhil specialising in Space Studies

The University of Cape Town offers a multi-disciplinary Masters degree in Space Studies, with the possibility to upgrade to a PhD. We invite outstanding candidates to apply for this new programme.

Space in South Africa

South Africa has a rich heritage of participation in the Space Age. Now the country is gearing itself to play a more active role in the global space arena.

Nationalities of SpaceLab students

Important Announcements

SpaceLab Orientation lectures for new students
Date: 15-16 Feb 2017
Time: 10:00-13:00
Venue: Menzies 4.11

Course Dates for 2017

Core Modules

EEE5124Z Space and Society
Core lectures: 20 - 24 Feb 2017
Team Report: 2 May 2017
Team Presentation: 29 Jun 2017
Exam: 29 June 2017

EEE5125Z Space Applications
Core lectures: 24 - 28 Apr 2017
Team Report: 19 Jun 2017
Team Presentation: 30 Jun 2017
Exam: 30 June 2017

EEE51256 Space Mission Design
Core lectures: 3 - 7 Jul 2017
Team Report: TBD
Team Presentation: TBD
Exam: TBD

Elective Modules

EEE5127Z Small Satellites
Core lectures: 17 - 21 Apr 2017
Exam: 29 June 2017

EEE5134Z Lunar Exploration
Core lectures: 10 - 14 Jul 2017
Exam: TBD

EEE5141Z Rovers in Exploration
Core lectures: 10 - 14 Jul 2017
Exam: TBD

Global & South African space news.

News

Sunday, 23 July 2017

Team Woodpecker carries out its rover mission

SpaceLab masters students in team Woodpecker carried out their simulated Mars rover mission on Friday 14 July. The mission team comprised Barbara Ojur (Commander), Adebayo Ogunyika (Log), Ani Vermeulen (Driver), Mchasisi Gasella (Navigator) and Bas Martens (Science).

Publication Date:

Friday, July 14, 2017 - 14:15

UCT SpaceLab students watch launch of Flying Laptop

UCT SpaceLab students observed the webcast of the successful launch of the Flying Laptop built by the Institute for Space Systems and the University of Stuttgart, a collaboration partner of the UCT SpaceLab. We congratulate our partner IRS on the successful launch of this mission.

Publication Date:

Friday, July 14, 2017 - 09:15

Team SPAM carries out its rover mission

SpaceLab masters students in team SPAM ("Space Pioneers Analysing Mars") carried out their simulated Mars rover mission on Thursday 13 July. The team controlled a rover at the Canadian Space Agency's "Mars Yard" in real time over the Internet.

Publication Date:

Thursday, July 13, 2017 - 16:30

SpaceLab students visit Houwteq facility

SpaceLab students visited the Houwteq Satellite integration facility in Grabouw. The students had an opportunity to see satellite testing facilities and several examples of space hardware.

Publication Date:

Thursday, July 13, 2017 - 15:30

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"My experience during the space studies program at UCT has definitely been much more than I expected. During my studies I got the chance to visit various sites including space companies, astronomical observatories and a satellite testing site. Also, the privilege to present my work at various conferences including the IAC was a lifetime achievement. I would definitely recommend this program to all my friends and colleagues to participate and gain the experience like I did."

MPhil '16 Participant

"I found the Space Studies programme to be perfect for me. I was able to diversify my general knowledge about Space and the Space Industry through the coursework and with the dissertation, I was able to really focus in on one particular aspect that I found fascinating."

MPhil '15 Participant

"Possibly the most interesting, most challenging, and most useful course I’ve ever attended. Being taught by actual space industry professionals not only makes this course world-class, it has also given me insight that I could not have obtained otherwise."

MPhil '15 Participant

There's something for everyone at SpaceLab! Engineering, Law, Psychology, Agriculture, Physics, Economics, Biochemistry, Business Management – all the SpaceLab students' diverse backgrounds have relevance to space, its technologies and applications. It has been a fascinating year, learning about everything from rocket science to international space law from amazing international industry professionals. Most importantly, though, I have discovered where and how my specific background, experience and interests can be combined and can be applied in the global space industry. If you have any interest in space and how you can participate in building our space civilisation, the MPhil Space Studies programme should be your starting point.

MPhil '15 Participant

"It is a privilege to have this opportunity and I feel very fortunate. A varied course of this type takes a huge amount of work not only in the design of the content, but in its day-to-day delivery. To participate in this new course at the very outset is a creative undertaking and will be enjoyable and rewarding for us students and for the university."

MPhil '14 Participant

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