Media advisory

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is developing a C-Band phased array synthetic aperture radar (SAR) payload with support from the Department of Science and Innovation. This payload has been developed in collaboration with South African space industry players, SCS Space and Dragonfly Aerospace.

The payload (named SAR-C) is designed to support constellations of micro-satellites, while providing advanced SAR performance modes, including high-resolution wide-swath digital beamforming. The design boasts significant redundancy to extend life expectancy in the harsh space environment and lower manufacture costs through local SMMEs due to the highly scalable architecture based on PCB technology.

CSIR-developed technologies aimed at strengthening defence and security in South Africa, will take centre stage at Africa’s largest trade exhibition and conference, the Africa and Aerospace Defence (AAD), taking place in Pretoria from 21 to 25 September 2022.

At this year’s expo, the CSIR will highlight several technologies, including a locally developed biometric system for children, which identifies children from infancy to adulthood by using biometrics captured at birth or during infancy, to manage children’s identities in South Africa. The CSIR also developed a contactless fingerprint recognition device that verifies an individual’s identity by comparing a captured fingerprint to one that is on paper or stored in memory.

The organisation will also demonstrate its cybersecurity early warning software system, which helps small, medium, and large businesses detect network intrusions and avoid the disclosure of sensitive information and eventual revenue loss. Featuring alongside these technologies will also be Meerkat, K-Line technology for fire disaster management and The Asset and Fleet Management System, a decision support tool developed by the CSIR to provide situational awareness around business operations to enable effective and efficient management of operational assets to personnel safety.

Speaking ahead of the conference, CSIR business development manager Tendani Malumedzha says the CSIR will use this platform to not only showcase technologies, but also engage fully with the public and private sectors regarding their technological needs.

“The CSIR is very excited to be showcasing a suite of technologies at this year’s AAD trade exhibition and conference. We have a track record of using our research and development capabilities in information and cybersecurity, command control and integrated systems, optronic sensor systems, as well as radar and electronic warfare to design unique solutions to enhance state security and strengthen the competitiveness of local industry. We also have a keen interest in engaging with the public and private sectors, listening to their needs, and responding by collaboratively designing integrated security solutions that can be commercialised,” says Malumedzha.

The media and public are invited to visit the CSIR’s exhibition stand as follows:

Date: 21 – 25 September 2022
Time: 09:00 – 16:00
Venue: Airforce Base Waterkloof

For media interviews with CSIR researchers, please contact Chumisa Ndlazi on CNdlazi@csir.co.za and Phetolo Phatsibi on PPhatsibi@csir.co.za

To register, visit:  https://aad.expowiz.com/ExWeb5/Register/Contacts/73f1d266-3349-45ca-a41a-903e8c57bb81

-ENDS-

Issued by CSIR Strategic Communications

Contact details:

David Mandaha: CSIR Media Relations Manager
Tel: 012 841 3654
Mobile: 072 126 8910
Email: dmandaha@csir.co.za 
 

About the CSIR:

The CSIR, an entity of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, is one of the leading scientific and technology research, development and implementation organisations in Africa. Constituted by an Act of Parliament in 1945 as a science council, the CSIR undertakes directed and multidisciplinary research and technological innovation, as well as industrial and scientific development to improve the quality of life of all South Africans. For more information, visit www.csir.co.za