• South Africa aims to establish a sovereign satellite capability.
• The country faces technical constraints, including a shortage of systems engineers.
• A phased approach is planned to deploy a solution to space communications needs.
• The global space economy is projected to reach $1.8-trillion by 2035.

South Africa's entry into the space race may indicate a growing recognition of the importance of space technology for economic sovereignty. The country's technical challenges could hinder progress, but a phased approach may help mitigate these risks, suggesting a potential opportunity for local industry growth and international cooperation.