https://www.engineeringnews.co.za
Automation|Fire|Projects|Technology|Solutions
Automation|Fire|Projects|Technology|Solutions
automation|fire|projects|technology|solutions

Small and medium-sized companies can compete in space sector

14th November 2019

By: Rebecca Campbell

Creamer Media Senior Deputy Editor

     

Font size: - +

South African small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the space sector are competitive because of their lower overheads, pointed out Pinkmatter Solutions Earth Observation Solutions Manager Nicolas Steenkamp on Thursday. He was addressing the South African National Space Agency's second Space for National Development Conference in Pretoria.

Local SMEs had two main sources of origin. Many had been set up by older, experienced industry veterans. The others had been created by new, younger, entrants into the sector. Regardless of background, space SMEs always had to up-skill and re-learn, to keep pace with advances in technology. Consequently, funding was important for space SMEs.

Increased automation and the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) also benefitted SMEs. Cloud-based solutions meant that SMEs did not have to invest in servers. 

These developments allowed SMEs to establish and expand their positions in value chains. They also allowed long-term engagements with projects and international engagements. SMEs could further carry out de-risking for clients.

For the government, SMEs could provide all sorts of "value add". An example would be analyzing Earth observation images to provide real-time fire warnings (this was being done). 

Regarding AI, this allowed the creation of applications such as "vehicle" tracking (whether those vehicles were cars, ships or planes), the detection and classification of buildings and structures, and the identification of encroachment by informal settlements on (for example) mine properties. "New niche markets are constantly evolving," highlighted Steenkamp.

Edited by Creamer Media Reporter

Comments

Showroom

GreaseMax
GreaseMax

GreaseMax is a chemically operated automatic lubricator.

VISIT SHOWROOM 
Rentech
Rentech

Rentech provides renewable energy products and services to the local and selected African markets. Supplying inverters, lithium and lead-acid...

VISIT SHOWROOM 

Latest Multimedia

sponsored by

Option 1 (equivalent of R125 a month):

Receive a weekly copy of Creamer Media's Engineering News & Mining Weekly magazine
(print copy for those in South Africa and e-magazine for those outside of South Africa)
Receive daily email newsletters
Access to full search results
Access archive of magazine back copies
Access to Projects in Progress
Access to ONE Research Report of your choice in PDF format

Option 2 (equivalent of R375 a month):

All benefits from Option 1
PLUS
Access to Creamer Media's Research Channel Africa for ALL Research Reports, in PDF format, on various industrial and mining sectors including Electricity; Water; Energy Transition; Hydrogen; Roads, Rail and Ports; Coal; Gold; Platinum; Battery Metals; etc.

Already a subscriber?

Forgotten your password?

MAGAZINE & ONLINE

SUBSCRIBE

RESEARCH CHANNEL AFRICA

SUBSCRIBE

CORPORATE PACKAGES

CLICK FOR A QUOTATION







sq:0.086 0.149s - 139pq - 2rq
Subscribe Now