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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

Registration for the 2019 academic year is open

Tel: +27 21 650 4659

Email: spacelab@uct.ac.za

Course Dates for 2018

Core Modules

EEE5124Z Space and Society
Dates for 2019 will be published shortly.

EEE5125Z Space Applications
Dates for 2019 will be published shortly

EEE5126Z Space Mission Design
Core lectures: 16 - 21 Jul 2018
Team Report Due: 7 Sep 2018
Team Presentation: 17 Sep 2018
Exam: 17 Sep 2018

Elective Modules

EEE5127Z Small Satellites
Dates for 2019 will be published shortly

EEE5134Z Lunar Exploration
Core lectures: 23 - 27 Jul 2018
Exam: 18 Sep 2018

EEE5141Z Intro to Space Science and Technology
Core lectures: 23 - 27 Jul 2018
Exam: 18 Sep 2018

EEE5142Z Satellite simulation
Core lectures: 23 - 27 Jul 2018
Exam: 18 Sep 2018

News

Monday, 12 November 2018

Kechil Kirkham awarded a distinction for her MPhil dissertation

SpaceLab masters student Kechil Kirkham has been awarded a distinction for her MPhil dissertation titled "The user concept in the space industry and how this frames satellite missions, with a focus on social development in Africa"

Publication Date:

Tuesday, March 6, 2018 - 23:45

UCT SpaceLab participates in IAC 2017 in Adelaide

UCT SpaceLab was well represented at the recent IAC 2017 in Adelaide. SpaceLab-affiliated participants presented 14 papers, featured in two plenary events and won several awards.

Publication Date:

Monday, November 6, 2017 - 15:15

SpaceLab student wins award for best proposal by an individual in ESA competition

SpaceLab masters student Mónica Estebanez Camarena was recently recognized by the judges of ESA's Sentinel Smallsat S3 Challenge for her proposal named PyrSat, which was judged as the best submission by an individual.

Publication Date:

Saturday, September 30, 2017 - 12:45

SpaceLab faculty featured on Emerald Planet TV

SpaceLab visiting academics Dr Joe Pelton and Dr Scott Madry appeared in the Emerald Planet, a TV show produced in Washington DC, in the United States. To view the show, click here.

Publication Date:

Friday, August 11, 2017 - 10:15

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"The programme has the ambitious task of being multi-disciplinary. Understanding knowledge is one thing ... understanding how it is embedded within a sociopolitical system is truly invaluable. The MPhil excels at this. ... I have found the work challenging in just the right way - taking my knowledge forward in perfectly measured steps."

MPhil '17 Participant

"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

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