World Space Week 2026: NRF Showcases the Space Infrastructure Hub Podcast Series

Every year from 4 to 10 October, World Space Week brings people and organisations around the world together to celebrate the contributions of space science and technology. It is an opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of space research and inspire the next generation of scientists, researchers and innovators.

Space science plays an increasingly important role in addressing societal challenges. From monitoring climate change and managing natural resources to supporting agriculture, communications and disaster management, space-based technologies provide valuable data and infrastructure that benefit life on Earth.

In South Africa, the National Research Foundation (NRF) contributes to the country’s space science ecosystem through its support for research, research infrastructure, and skills development. Initiatives such as the Space Infrastructure Hub (SIH) help strengthen the country’s capacity in space-related research by supporting infrastructure, collaboration and opportunities for researchers and students.

Led by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) and South African National Space Agency (SANSA), the SIH was established in 2025 as a strategic initiative to build South Africa’s indigenous space capability and position space data and infrastructure to support national development priorities and commercial applications, including remote sensing, navigation and space sciences.

It is implemented collaboratively with partners such as the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) and the NRF.

The SIH further aims to advance the objectives of the National Space Strategy by developing local satellite technologies, building youth capacity in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields, and fostering partnerships with like-minded international space institutions and programmes.

World Space Week provides an opportunity to showcase the SIH’s activities and impact, and highlight the researchers and institutions contributing to South Africa’s growing space science capabilities. It also highlights the importance of continued investment in the people, knowledge and infrastructure needed to advance the field.

As part of this year’s World Space Week activities, the NRF, with the support of the DSTI and SANSA, has produced a series of podcasts featuring conversations around space science and the work supported through the SIH. The videos provide an opportunity to hear directly from researchers and experts, explore the significance of space research and learn more about the people contributing to South Africa’s space science capabilities.

Watch the podcast episodes here:

National Science Month, Space Infrastructure Hub Podcast EP1

National Science Month, Space Infrastructure Hub Podcast EP2

National Science Month, Space Infrastructure Hub Podcast EP3  

As South Africa joins the global community in celebrating World Space Week 2026, the occasion reminds us that space science is about more than exploring beyond our planet. It is also about understanding the Earth, addressing societal challenges, and creating new possibilities through research and innovation.

From observing our changing planet to developing the technologies of tomorrow, the NRF remains committed to supporting the people, research and infrastructure that are helping to expand the possibilities of space science.