(Ecofin Agency) - South African National Space Agency -SANSA and the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration -NASA have signed a Deep Space Communications Study deal to conduct a number of technical and environmental researches for the potential establishment of a ground station in South Africa.

The facility will support future near-Earth and deep space exploration. “Having worked with the South African government on numerous projects in the past, it is fitting to collaborate with SANSA on this study agreement, not only because of the geographical positioning of South Africa but more so due the technical capabilities and the consistent quality of work produced by SANSA Space Operations over the years,” said Marcus Watkins who heads the NASA Management Office.

The new agreement will also offer training opportunities for students interested in studying in the space communications field.