By Lebone Rodah Mosima
Dr Sarisha Harrylal, an engineer at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) Aerospace Systems Research Institute (ASRI), has been appointed to the South African Council for Space Affairs (SACSA).
The appointment was made by Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, and runs from 2026 to 2029.
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UKZN ASRI said the appointment also reflects positively on the institution, which has enhanced its profile in recent years through its work on liquid and hybrid rocket propulsion systems.
“SACSA is South Africa’s regulatory authority for space affairs,” UKZN said.
“It is responsible for implementing South Africa’s space policy and safeguarding the country’s interests, responsibilities, and obligations regarding space and space-related activities.”
SACSA members advise the minister on issues impacting space affairs, and oversee and implement matters arising from international conventions, treaties, and agreements related to the common use of space. They also issue licences for space operations, including launch activities.
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ARI director, professor Michael Brooks, said Harrylal would take on significant responsibilities as one of the council members.
“The space regulatory environment is evolving rapidly as countries worldwide, including South Africa, increase their space engineering efforts,” Brooks said.
“The South African satellite component manufacturing industry is thriving, and the government is placing greater emphasis on developing an indigenous launch capability.”
Brooks said that while ASRI is paving the way, more work is needed to draft and enact legislation that can facilitate commercially viable launches from South Africa.
“The new SACSA council will have its hands full as it navigates regulatory processes aimed at protecting the space industry while also encouraging responsible commercial activity,” he said.
Harrylal holds a BScEng and an MScEng in Mechanical Engineering from UKZN, as well as an MBChB degree from UKZN’s Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine.
UKZN said she will continue her full-time role at ASRI, specialising in rocket flight dynamics, stability, and trajectory simulation, alongside her enthusiasm for practical rocketry and participation in vehicle flight tests conducted both in South Africa and abroad.
