Projects

The Strategic Platforms Programmes (SPP) hosts a number of sub-programmes for developing research infrastructure.

The Institutional Capacity Programme (ICP) comprises of two key initiatives, viz. the Institutional Capacity Development (ICD) programme and the Thuthuka (TTK) programme.

The Human Capacity Programme (HCP) comprises the Student and Postdoctoral Support Programme and the Internship Programme.

The Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) is the largest single optical telescope in the southern hemisphere, with a hexagonal mirror array 11 metres across.

A South Africa/Japanese project.

Birmingham Solar Oscillations Network (BiSON) Sutherland station is a co-operative programme.

KELT- South is a small scientific telescope that is designed to detect transiting extrasolar planets.

One of the three “pillars” of the NRF is science advancement which, among others, means that SAASTA works closely with other NRF business units, science facilities, science centres, higher education institutions, science councils and government departments to ensure that there is a coordinated science outreach programme.

MONET is a MOnitoring NEtwork of Telescopes.

A co-operative project between the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) and Yonsei University, Korea.