Africa2Moon: Science, Engineering and Collaboration.
Join us on Thursday 6 August 2026 for an interesting evening with Dr Carla Mitchell, Founding Director of Africa2Moon, as she shares the story behind this incredible journey and space initiatives. Scheduled for deployment in 2029, Africa2Moon will place an African-designed and -built low-frequency radio telescope array on the lunar south pole – an environment unlike any on Earth – to unlock new scientific discoveries, demonstrate cutting-edge technology, and pave the way for future lunar exploration. Discover how engineers, scientists and institutions from across Africa are working together to make history, inspiring the next generation of innovators while proving that Africa is not only participating in space exploration but helping shape its future.
Attending this event qualifies for ECSA CPD points
Date: 6 August 2026
Time: 17:30 for 18:00
Venue: Knowledge Commons – CSIR, Pretoria
RSVP: lbarnard@csir.co.za by 4 August 2026
The next FSAAFM talk: The F-111 Aardvark discussed by a former F-111 pilot
Our speaker is Lt Colonel TC Schultz, USAF retired, who will discuss the General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark. He will offer some specifics of the aircraft and some anecdotes from his experience.
Lt Colonel TC Schultz was commissioned in the USAF in 1983, and flew the F-111 operationally in the UK, then as an instructor in Idaho, and finally in flight test operations in California.
Following assignment to the USAF Secretariat for International Affairs, Washington, D.C., Lt Colonel TC Schultz served as Air Attaché, US Embassy Tel Aviv. His final military assignment was as Air Attaché, and Chief of Military Cooperation, US Embassy Pretoria.
As a civil servant, US Africa Command, Stuttgart, Germany, Lt Colonel TC Schultz administered assistance funds to African Peacekeeping Forces before retiring to South Africa in 2020.
Date: 18 April 2026
Time: 11:00 for 11:15
Duration: Approximately 1 hour
Venue: Movie hall at SAAF Museum MDW (former AFB Swartkop)
Developing Technology Demonstrators
Technology demonstrators are essential for introducing new technologies and innovations, serving distinct objectives from final products. This talk explains their purpose, presents best practices, and discusses real-world examples.
By: Kevin Jamison, FRAeS
Head Engineer: Aerospace Systems, CSIR22 July 2025
Venue: CSIR International Convention Centre, Pretoria, South Africa
Date: Wednesday 3 December 2025
17h00 for 17h30
Venue: The Knowledge Commons at the CSIR, Pretoria
RSVP: E-mail: LBarnard@csir.co.za by 28 November 2025
AeSSA Young Professionals Networking Event 2025
The Aeronautical Society of South Africa will present its 2025 Young Professionals Networking event for under 35s will take place just before the AeSSA 2025 Annual Conference.
22 July 2025
Venue: CSIR International Convention Centre, Pretoria, South Africa
AeSSA Annual Conference 2025
The Aeronautical Society of South Africa will present its 2025 Annual Conference (CPD Activity: AeSSA 25-02-26 Notional Hours: 20 CPD points: 2) at the CSIR International Convention Centre in Pretoria, South Africa
23 – 25 July 2025
Venue: CSIR International Convention Centre, Pretoria, South Africa
Past events – 2025
A Year at the International Test Pilot School in Canada
Major Jonathan Sterling, one of three SAAF pilots selected for the course, shares his experience and insights from a 2023 training course at the International Test Pilots School in Canada.
23 May 2025, 19:00
Venue: Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering Building, Stellenbosch University, Room M5044
Guest Speaker: Major J Sterling, SAAF Experimental Test Pilot
Lectures
The AeSSA hosts and facilitates monthly lectures, either in Gauteng or in the Western Cape, on a range of topics relevant to the local aerospace community. Through industry contact and partnerships, local and international presenters are invited, and venues are chosen to enhance the experience for participants.
The Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) has started recording their talks and you can listen to them as podcasts. Access these podcasts and let us know what you think of them. Two recommendations by AeSSA member Stefan Rassmann:
Classic Lecture Series: The Miles M.52 project by Mike Hirst
Classic Lecture Series: From antiquity to the era of the Wrights by J. A. D. Ackroyd
