The National Space Conference has a dynamic programme centred on the theme of “Space for Societal Resilience, Transformation and Intelligence”.
The conference provides a strategic platform to explore how space science, Earth observation, and digital intelligence can drive national resilience and inclusive development.
DETAILED PROGRAMME
Download a 2025 detailed programme.
DAY 1
20 August 2025
Space and Socio-economic Resilience
08:00 – 09:00
Arrival, registration and welcome tea
09:00 – 10:30
OPENING SESSION
Watch the live stream
Space for Resilient and Inclusive Societies
This high-level session will explore how investments in space science, technology, and innovation can strengthen South Africa’s resilience across infrastructure, applications, and public services. Statements will reflect on the broader policy vision for inclusive national development and highlight the critical role of public institutions in fostering equitable access to innovation, data, and space-enabled services.
10:30 – 11:30
E-posters, exhibition and networking break
11:30 – 13:00
SPECIAL SESSION
Industry Reflections: Pathways to Resilience, Intelligence and Transformation
This session offers a strategic industry response to the Opening Ceremony, with insights from both private and public sector leaders across space, defence, energy, engineering, Earth observation, policy, etc. Leaders from both the public and private sectors will share real experiences, lessons, and bold ideas about how innovation in South Africa’s space economy is helping tackle urgent challenges while opening doors to global opportunity and identifying the enabling conditions needed to unlock inclusive growth through space-based technologies.
13:00 – 14:30
Lunch break and exhibition
14:30 – 16:00
SHOWCASING SESSION 1
SANSA: Space Weather, GNSS and Earth Observation for Prediction and Resilience
This session showcases how SANSA’s Space Weather and Earth Observation programmes work together to safeguard critical infrastructure. The Space Weather component focuses on the October 2024 geomagnetic storm, which significantly impacted GNSS applications, featuring expert analysis, real-world user experiences, and insights into forecasting tools that protect aviation, power grids, and navigation networks. The Earth Observation component highlights the development of the South African Earth Observation System of Systems (SAEOSS) and the use of autonomous agents to monitor agriculture and natural resources, demonstrating the value of integrated space-based and Earth-based solutions for
national resilience.
16:15 – 17:30
WELCOME RECEPTION
Platinum Sponsor: STAR.VISION
DAY 2
21 August 2025
Space and Earth Intelligence
08:00 – 08:45
Registration and networking
09:00 – 10:30
PLENARY 1
Space Intelligence: Earth Observation, AI and Decision-Making
This session explores how cutting-edge space technologies, including Earth observation, AI, and data fusion are transforming evidence-based planning across government, industry, and research. Panellist will discuss how intelligent systems can support more equitable service delivery, responsive governance, and inclusive data access to empower decision-makers at all levels.
10:30 – 11:30
E-posters, exhibition and networking break
11:30 – 13:00
TECHNICAL SESSION 1
Space Engineering, Security and Systems Innovation
This session explores the pivotal role of robust space infrastructure and secure operations in driving sustainability, enhancing resilience, and addressing global challenges. Experts will present innovations that improve operational efficiency, strengthen the security and reliability of space systems, and integrate spacebased infrastructure with terrestrial networks to maximise societal, environmental, and economic benefits.
Presentations will span from advanced engineering solutions and on-orbit AI processing to sustainable innovation ecosystems, offering insights into how space systems can serve as catalysts for long-term resilience and inclusive growth.
13:00 – 14:30
Lunch break and exhibition
14:30 – 16:00
SHOWCASING SESSION 2
Intelligence-Driven Platforms for Smart, Resilient Infrastructure
This session will feature a range of national platforms that harness data, technologies, and innovation to support planning, service delivery, and systems management across sectors. It will highlight efforts to ensure equitable access to these platforms, improve data governance and sharing, and promote inclusive participation in the design and use of space-enabled solutions for public benefit.
DAY 3
22 August 2025
Space for Transformative Development
08:00 – 08:45
Registration and networking
09:00 – 10:30
PLENARY 2
Pathways to a Resilient and Transformative Space Future
This session gathers leading South African professionals, researchers, and innovators to share strategic insights, bold ideas, and actionable strategies for accelerating the country’s space science and technology agenda. With an emphasis on industry growth, public engagement, and inclusive socio-economic benefits, the discussion will highlight practical initiatives that are shaping South Africa’s space future.
10:30 – 11:30
Exhibition, e-poster session and short break
11:30 – 13:00
TECHNICAL SESSION 2
Space for Transformation: Public Value and Development Impact
This session demonstrates how Earth Observation and satellite-enabled systems are delivering tangible improvements in service delivery, innovation, and sustainability across South Africa. Focusing on priority areas such as food security, climate monitoring, education, and emergency services, it showcases research and applications that translate space-based data into measurable public value.
13:00 – 14:30
Lunch break and exhibition
14:30 – 16:00
CLOSING SESSION
Highlights and Closing Remarks
Bringing together key takeaways and commitments, this closing session outlines the way forward for strengthening South Africa’s space ecosystem.
16:15 – 17:30
NETWORKING SESSION
Sponsored by MFTZ
