Regarding the roadmap of the SA National Space Agency for indigenous launch capability and the investment by his department to support the Aerospace Systems Research Institute to develop liquid-propellant rockets, what (a) is the defined ti

Regarding the roadmap of the SA National Space Agency for indigenous launch capability and the investment by his department to support the Aerospace Systems Research Institute to develop liquid-propel is a municipal publication record extracted as a standalone document candidate. It is classed as `plan` based on the available title and body cues. The extract references the year(s): 2025, 2026. Opening text includes: “Question to the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation - NW19 | PMG Toggle navigation Committees and Meetings MPs Bills Petitions Questions and Replies Calls for Comments Attendance Blog Provincial Legislatures Committees and Meetings MPs Bills Petitions Questions and Replies Calls for Comments Attendance Blog Provincial Legislatures Create an account Log In Create an account Log In Search Committees and Meetings MPs Bills Petitions Questions and Replies Calls for Comments Attendance Blog Provincial Legislatures Premium content from before 2025 is now available for everyone! Questions and Replies National Assembly Science, Technology and Innovation Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Question NW19 to the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Share this page: 26 February 2026 - NW19 Mchunu, Ms G to ask the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Regarding the roadmap of the SA National Space Agency for indigenous launch capability and the investment by his department to support the Aerospace Systems Research Institute to develop liquid-propellant rockets, what (a) is the defined timeline for transitioning the liquid-propellant rocketry technology developed at the Overberg Test Range from the research and testing phase into a readiness level for potential sovereign operational deployment and (b) specific human capital development metrics beyond general training are in place to quantify the success of the specified programme in transferring critical, niche skills necessary for liquid propulsion systems and independent launch operations to a sustainable cohort of South African engineers and technicians?” Source Link Reply: The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) is leading a launching capability programme in partnership with the South African National Space Agency (SANSA), the Denel Overberg Test Range (OTR), and Aerospace Systems Research Institute (ASRI) as the main implementor. The programme has been implemented in a phased and capability-based approach toward indigenous launching capability. (a) Defined Timeline for Transition to Operational Readiness The transition of liquid-propellant rocket technology from research and testing to potential sovereign operational deployment is structured across progressive Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs), aligned to SANSA s national space roadmap: Current Phase (Research and Advanced Testing TRL 4 6): This phase focuses on propulsion system validation, static firing campaigns, systems integration testing and sub-scale flight demonstrations at the OTR. Medium-Term Phase (Pre-Operational Demonstration TRL 7 8): Over the next 3 5 years, the programme aims to: Conduct integrated full-stage flight demonstrations; validate guidance, navigation and control systems under operational conditions; establish safety, regulatory and mission assurance frameworks. Long-Term Objective (Operational Readiness TRL 9): Subject to technical milestones, regulatory approvals and”.