Photo: AAC Clyde Space

AAC Clyde Space is launching an African subsidiary in South Africa, the company announced Monday. AAC Space Africa will be based in Cape Town, and it will design, build, and deliver space missions to the continent. The business will also be the center of competence for advanced radio communication systems for the entire AAC group. 

CEO Luis Gomes said he sees opportunity in the African space industry from small satellites to provide data for weather forecasting, ocean monitoring, agricultural planning, and land management sectors. 

“The ability to provide data from space and monitor key issues across the continent will help Africa develop at a far more rapid pace over the next decade. Adding local presence and expert knowledge to our existing commercial offering will put AAC in an excellent position to address these growing needs. We look forward to taking an active role in the South African space community and the wider market,” Gomes said. 

The new company will be managed by Dr. Robert Van Zyl as managing director and Francois Visser as technical director. AAC Clyde Space’s main operations are located in Sweden, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and the United States.