Four Stellenbosch University engineering students have helped develop technology intended for China’s planned Chang’e-8 moon mission.
The postgraduate students worked with researchers from the university’s Electronic Systems Laboratory on the Africa2Moon project.
Their work contributed to the electronics and communication systems needed for a South African-designed radio telescope payload.
Chang’e-8 is scheduled to launch in 2029 and travel to the moon’s south pole.
The payload is expected to include metal spheres containing low-frequency radio telescope antennas for deployment on the far side of the moon.
Four students join project
The students are Nortier Geyer, Michael Esterhuyse, Russouw Grobbelaar and Danie Gouws.
They joined the project as an extracurricular challenge while continuing with their master’s engineering studies.
Geyer, Esterhuyse and Grobbelaar are completing satellite-related projects under senior lecturer Dr Arno Barnard and Electronic Systems Laboratory manager Professor Willem Jordaan.
Gouws is working on legged robots under control systems specialist Professor Japie Engelbrecht.
Despite tight deadlines and their academic workload, the students delivered the required electronic and communication systems to the Africa2Moon team in March 2026.
Technology demonstrator heads to China
The structural, electronic and mechanical components of the telescope design have been developed, tested and assembled.
The next phase involves sending a technology demonstrator to China for assessment by the China National Space Administration.
The tests will determine whether the South African payload can integrate with the lunar lander and survive launch and space conditions.
Once approval is received, the project team will build a final flight model using space-grade equipment.
South African expertise recognised
Stellenbosch University’s involvement began in early 2025, when Barnard and Jordaan were asked to review the proposed electronics and control systems.
Barnard said the laboratory met its deadline by drawing on years of experience in satellite systems and related technology.
The accepted design recommendations allowed the student team to begin working quickly.
The project gives young South African engineers a direct role in an international mission and demonstrates the country’s growing expertise in space technology.