The University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Aerospace Systems Research Institute (ASRI) and Mura Space have entered into an exclusive partnership aimed at commercialising the South African Sounding Rocket Launch Facility at the Overberg Test Range in Arniston, Western Cape.
Additionally, the partnership will enable authorised suborbital test launches utilising both fixed and mobile infrastructure, in full compliance with established safety and operational standards.
According to UKZN, the collaboration is expected to enhance South Africa’s position as a hub for global aerospace research and investment.
In addition to that, the partnership will support local engineering innovation, advance STEM education, and promote international knowledge exchange.
Looking ahead, Mura Space has outlined a planned series of suborbital launch campaigns for 2026, with several missions targeting altitudes of up to 100 kilometres (the Kármán line).
This would be an achievement that would represent a major milestone for Africa’s emerging space sector.
A clear understanding of the evolving needs of the global launch market guides Mura Space’s work.
As demand for launch services continues to grow, the next generation of spaceports must support a higher launch cadence, accommodate multiple vehicle types, and maintain readiness despite weather and air traffic constraints.
Planning for the proposed Mura Spaceport integrates these realities while drawing lessons from international precedents to position an African facility competitively within the global space industry landscape.
The recent partnership between Mura Space and the Aerospace Systems Research Institute (ASRI) at the University of KwaZulu-Natal marks a pivotal step toward realising this vision, bringing together private sector ambition, academic excellence, and technical expertise to advance a sustainable launch ecosystem.
Source: https://spaceinafrica.com/2025/10/07/mura-space-and-asri-partner-to-commercialise-south-africas-sounding-rocket-launch-facility/