MaxIQ Space, a leader in space-focused STEM education, has partnered with Parklands College and the Sakhikamva Foundation to launch a 1U payload aboard the Aerospace Systems Research Institute’s (ASRI) Phoenix hybrid rocket. The test launch, scheduled for December 2024, is a significant milestone for space education and commercial ventures in Africa, marking a critical step in South Africa’s growing space industry.
Project Overview
The primary objective of this project is to provide students from Parklands College, Christopher Robin Pre-Primary, and the Sakhikamva Foundation with hands-on experience in space science. The students will develop and test a scientific payload utilising MaxIQ Space’s advanced modular electronic components known as “X-chips.” These components include sensors for air temperature, humidity, pressure, volatile organic compounds, light intensity, accelerometer data, and GPS. The payload integration follows a “slice” concept that measures 96mm x 96mm, with the 1U CubeSat form factor able to accommodate up to nine slices.
The Phoenix rocket, developed by ASRI at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), is part of South Africa’s journey towards developing its orbital launch capabilities. This test launch is a stepping stone for an even more ambitious mission planned for mid-2025, when students will launch a payload to the International Space Station (ISS). That mission, organised by MaxIQ Space in collaboration with Princeton University and NASA, will involve participants from 16 institutions globally, further highlighting these educational initiatives’ global reach and impact.
Unique Aspects of the Project
This initiative marks MaxIQ Space’s first commercial arrangement with an African launch provider, making it an important milestone for the continent’s nascent commercial space industry. By positioning itself as ASRI’s first commercial customer, MaxIQ Space aims to support ASRI’s development of a sustainable, commercially viable launch system, thus contributing to the advancement of the broader African space sector.
Students are not only learning about space technology through hands-on projects, but they are also contributing to South Africa’s growing commercial space ambitions. Thus, this collaborative effort offers a rare and invaluable experience in aerospace engineering, combining practical technical training with the thrill of seeing their hard work launched on a cutting-edge rocket.
Launch Preparation and Success Criteria
The condensed project timeline has been made feasible using pre-tested hardware, allowing students to focus primarily on software development. The project invitation was extended to Parklands College and the Sakhikamva Foundation in September 2024, and the hardware was delivered to students by mid-October. Furthermore, the students will complete and test their payload slice before handing it over to MaxIQ Space for final integration. On-site launch preparation will occur at the Denel Overberg Test Range (OTR) from December 2 to December 6, 2024.
Success for this mission will be measured by the payload’s ability to collect data from the sensors during the rocket’s flight, store it on an SD card, and retrieve it for post-flight analysis. In addition, this process mimics the constraints of the upcoming ISS mission, where direct communication with the payload will not be possible during its multi-week deployment.
Broader Impact on Space Education and Collaboration
Through this collaboration, MaxIQ Space, Parklands College, and the Sakhikamva Foundation aim to inspire and equip the next generation of aerospace engineers by allowing students to participate directly in aerospace projects. In addition, this project aligns with MaxIQ Space’s broader mission of making space education accessible and engaging for young learners while contributing to developing the African space industry.
Richard Knaggs, representing Parklands College, emphasised, “Space science and exploration aren’t just for space — they benefit Earth too, and the opportunities are endless. This is why South Africa must position itself as an active space-faring nation. Embracing this future will boost our economy, drive innovation, and ensure that we attract and retain some of the brightest minds in the world. At Parklands College, we recognise this potential and encourage our learners to discover their purpose through real-world space camps and professional experiences offered by MaxIQ Space.”
MaxIQ Space is committed to broadening the scope of space-focused STEM education, and this project, in partnership with ASRI, Parklands College, and the Sakhikamva Foundation, represents a significant step forward in Africa’s space education and commercial space operations. Therefore, by combining hands-on learning with real-world opportunities, MaxIQ Space and its partners are paving the way for the continent’s next generation of space professionals.
Call to action
Judi Sandrock, MaxIQ Space co-founder, added, “As we look to the future, we are excited about expanding our collaborations with more institutions for upcoming ASRI launches. The altitudes and complexity of these launches will increase significantly from 2025, providing even greater opportunities for students to be directly involved in cutting-edge aerospace projects. I encourage universities, colleges, and schools to join us on this incredible journey of discovery and innovation. Let’s work together to empower the next generation of space explorers and solidify Africa’s place in the global space industry.”
MaxIQ Space invites students, parents, and educators to join in this exciting journey and be part of the future of space exploration. Kindly visit here to learn more about how you can get involved.
About MaxIQ Space
MaxIQ Space is a pioneering organisation dedicated to making space science accessible to students and educators across the globe. With a focus on STEM education, MaxIQ Space offers modular electronic kits that enable hands-on experiments related to space technology, from weather sensors to TinyGS ground stations. Furthermore, their mission is to nurture the next generation of space professionals by providing immersive, real-world opportunities in aerospace engineering. MaxIQ Space has partnerships with prestigious institutions such as NASA and Princeton University and collaborations with various universities and emerging space agencies, significantly impacting space education and capacity-building globally.
About Parklands College
Parklands College is an innovative educational institution in Cape Town, South Africa, committed to providing a future-oriented learning environment. Known for its excellence in science, technology, and innovation, Parklands College emphasises real-world learning experiences, ensuring students gain practical skills that prepare them for the future. In addition, the college has been involved in multiple aerospace initiatives with MaxIQ Space, including high-altitude balloon launches. It has its first partnership with ASRI for a rocket payload launch. Parklands College is dedicated to fostering curiosity, creativity, and leadership among its learners, equipping them to tackle tomorrow’s challenges.
About the Sakhikamva Foundation
The Sakhikamva Foundation is a non-profit organisation that aims to inspire and develop the youth of South Africa through STEM education, with a particular focus on the aerospace sector. Furthermore, the Sakhikamva Foundation seeks to bridge the gap in access to high-quality STEM learning, especially in underrepresented communities, by offering educational programmes, space camps, and hands-on projects. Thus, the foundation works closely with schools and industry partners like MaxIQ Space to provide young learners with the skills and confidence they need to pursue careers in the space industry. In addition, their mission is to create opportunities that ensure a sustainable future for the next generation of innovators and explorers.
Source: https://spaceinafrica.com/2024/10/21/maxiq-space-and-partners-to-launch-student-payload-on-asris-phoenix-test-flight-in-december-2024/
