Elon Musk expressed interest in using the Overberg test site in South Africa for SpaceX rocket launches. Musk expressed interest in two topics: access to the Overberg test site for orbital launches and the issue of supplies of rare earth magnets, against the background of restrictions from China.
Overberg is a new player on the global space map
Denel Overberg test site (OTR), located in the Western Cape Province, transformed from a rocket test site into a space innovation center. Thanks to the efforts of the Institute of Aerospace Systems, University of KwaZulu-Natal (ASRI), supported by the Ministry of Science and Innovation of South Africa, in 2024 a suborbital launch tower with a 360° rotation and the possibility of vertical ascent was built in. The tower is designed for hybrid rockets of the Phoenix series and larger scientific devices.
Successful launches of Phoenix‑1D and Phoenix‑1E rockets, who have reached heights 16,6 km and 11,9 km respectively, enabled the transfer of scientific data from telemetry — an important step for building a research infrastructure.
Currently, ASRI plans to create a small orbital vehicle (CLV), capable of launching cargo weighing 200–500 kg into sun-synchronous orbit. The recommended configuration includes a two-stage liquid rocket with nine SAFFIRE engines in the first stage and one in the second. The first tests of SAFFIRE were carried out in the Overberg in June 2024 year. To 2025 the commissioning of a stationary stand for testing engines is expected, laboratories of advanced production and installations with green fuel.
A look into the future
In the case of cooperation with SpaceX, the development of orbital infrastructure can be significantly accelerated. This will allow South Africa not only to introduce its own space launch, and make a significant contribution to the formation of independent African access to space. Such a breakthrough will open up new opportunities for deploying sovereign satellites and attracting foreign investment, consolidating South Africa's position as a new player in the global space market.
Source: https://spaceinafrica.com/