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

Monday, 29 May 2017

SpaceLab students visit Observatory

SpaceLab students attending the Introduction to Lunar Exploration science course visited the South African Astronomical Observatory in Cape Town, where they were able to view Mars and the gas giant planets Jupiter and Saturn and their moons.

Publication Date:

Thursday, June 30, 2016 - 12:00

SpaceLab student visit satellite integration facility

Students attending SpaceLab's Space Mission Design course recently visited Denel's satellite integration facility at Grabouw, where they saw the various test facilities used in satellite development.

Publication Date:

Friday, June 24, 2016 - 19:15

Space Mission Design course starts

The Space Mission Analysis and Design course has started this week, with lectures by Prof Rene Laufer, who was appointed an Honorary Associate Professor at UCT earlier this year.

Publication Date:

Wednesday, June 22, 2016 - 14:00

SpaceLab students win first prize in UCT Postgraduate Research Expo

SpaceLab masters students Louis Feng and Abhibit Nath won the first prize in the UCT EBE Research Expo on the 10th of May for their innovative concept for a satellite system designed to break down space debris.

Publication Date:

Wednesday, June 22, 2016 - 10:45

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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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