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

Registration for the 2019 academic year is open

Tel: +27 21 650 4659

Email: spacelab@uct.ac.za

Course Dates for 2019

Core Modules

EEE5124Z Space and Society
Core Lectures: 19 - 23 August 2019

EEE5125Z Space Applications
Core Lectures: 16 - 20 September 2019

EEE5126Z Space Mission Design
Core lectures: 30 September - 4 October 2019

Elective Modules

EEE5127Z Small Satellites
Core Lectures: 23 - 27 September 2019

EEE5134Z Lunar Exploration
Core lectures: 7 - 11 October 2019

EEE5141Z Space Science and Technology for Non-Science/Engineering Students
Core lectures: 7 - 11 October 2019

EEE5142Z Satellite simulation
Core lectures: 7 - 11 October 2019

Exam Dates to be advised

News

Tuesday, 15 October 2019

Space Council and DTI join SpaceLab course

Members of the South African Council for Space Affairs and officals of the Department of Trade and Industry joined the Space and Society course in late February 2018.

Publication Date:

Wed, 07 Mar 2018 - 09:45

New 2018 cohort joins MPhil programme

We welcome the MPhil '18 class to SpaceLab. The new class began the Space Studies programme with the Space and Society course in the last week of February.

Publication Date:

Wed, 07 Mar 2018 - 09:30

SpaceLab students coauthor book on space resource utilisation

A MPhil '16 class Team Project on policy and legal aspects of space resource utilization has just recently been published as a book by Springer.

Publication Date:

Wed, 07 Mar 2018 - 08:30

MPhil student Holly Snell completes her MPhil dissertation

SpaceLab masters student Holly Snell completed her MPhil dissertation titled "Modelling and testing the effects of space radiation on space-borne electronic components." She will graduate in April 2018.

Publication Date:

Wed, 07 Mar 2018 - 00:15

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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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