News Bulletin of 18 August 2026, 6am

African scientists and engineers are preparing to send a radio telescope to the Moon in 2029 as part of the Africa2Moon mission.
The project, involving Rhodes University and other African partners, will use three small spheres that will spread across the lunar surface and work together as a telescope.
The equipment will study low-frequency radio signals that cannot be detected from Earth and search for possible signs of technology beyond our planet.
Speaking to The GoodThings Guy, Africa2Moon science lead Dr Adriana Marais says the project shows that African scientists and engineers can build ambitious technology and work together to take it beyond Earth:
*sound*

The South African National Space Agency has launched a competition for Grades 8 to 11 learners to design South Africa’s first official space mascot.
Learners must submit an original design and a short explanation online by September 14, with no design experience required.
The winning learner will receive R3 000, while the top three schools will share R100 000 in cash or educational vouchers.
SANSA will develop the winning design for use at schools, youth events and public engagements, aiming to get more young people interested in the space sector and STEM careers.

Seventy Cape Town learners took part in a STEAM career exhibition at Amazon’s headquarters in Observatory, exploring science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics.
The learners joined demonstrations and activities in robotics, coding and artificial intelligence, while speaking to 12 exhibitors about study and career options.
Girls made up most of the participants, with the event forming part of Women’s Month activities and the second year of the Amazon and City libraries partnership.
The programme is part of wider Science Month activities at Cape Town libraries, which include science shows, experiments, career talks and makerspace programmes.