SA is in discussions concerning space co-operation agreements with several countries for mutual benefit, says trade and industry minister Rob Davies.
He made the announcement at the International Astronautical Congress, held in Cape Town this week.
Among these discussions is an agreement with India on exploration and use of outer space for peaceful purposes, which is very close to being concluded, according to the department.
“Our country's legislation and policy is based on the peaceful uses of outer space to promote socio-economic development, peace, stability, [and] human and environmental security,'' said Davies.
He added that SA's policy places strong emphasis on enhancing international co-operation. This enables great opportunities for it to strengthen its space technologies and applications through strategic partnerships with the other countries of the world.
Responsible actor
Davies also announced that SA is in the process of reviewing its Space Affairs Act to ensure alignment with rapidly progressing developments.
He reiterated that the country is committed to being a responsible actor in the international space arena.
''Recently SA has ratified the 1972 Convention on the Registration of Space Objects and the 1975 Convention on International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects. This was followed by the practical step of implementing the Registration Convention at national level through launching a National Registry of Space Objects on 27 July 2011.”
The minister also said the Council for Space Affairs is in the process of developing procedures to encourage persons and authorities involved in the space industry to register with the Space Council.
The International Astronautical Congress brings the world's aerospace professionals, industries and agencies together for the whole week, to deliberate and interact with one another to share experiences and examine opportunities for better co-operation, including new technological developments, marketing and trade development, according to the department.
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