Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk has reportedly expressed interest in using the Denel Overberg rocket test site near Arniston, outside Cape Town, for potential SpaceX launches. This move could dramatically elevate South Africa's role in the global space industry and accelerate the expansion of Musk's Starlink internet service across the African continent.
The Overberg site, developed by the Aerospace Systems Research Institute at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, has already successfully launched suborbital rockets up to 18 km and is aiming for orbital capability by 2028. A partnership with SpaceX could significantly fast-track this timeline.
According to The Daily Maverick, space experts highlight the site's strategic value for launching satellites into polar orbits, particularly those passing over the South Pole. This makes it an ideal location for deploying Starlink's Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, which aim to deliver broadband internet to consumers, especially in underserved areas.
Musk, currently embroiled in a public feud with U.S. President Donald Trump, appears to be redirecting his focus towards international ventures. Sources close to the matter suggest he is seriously evaluating South Africa's strategic potential for both SpaceX and Starlink's future operations.
If realized, this initiative would mark a historic milestone, positioning the African continent as a significant new player in global space infrastructure. Launching satellites directly from South Africa would not only accelerate Starlink's service across the continent but also support Musk’s broader ambition of expanding global internet connectivity.
Starlink's Turbulent Path in South Africa
While Starlink has successfully launched high-speed internet services in several other African countries, its rollout in South Africa, Musk's birth country, has faced significant hurdles. Despite early optimism about its potential to bridge the nation’s digital divide, regulatory delays, licensing challenges, and questions surrounding local compliance have stalled its entry into the market.
Tensions escalated following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent appearance in Washington and Musk’s public criticism of the South African government for failing to approve Starlink’s operations. In response, the South African government has initiated a review of its Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) policy, particularly as it relates to foreign tech companies like Starlink.
The potential for direct satellite launches from South Africa could inject substantial investment into the nation's tech and aerospace sectors, create jobs, and firmly establish the country as a key player in the emerging space economy. This move would also signal Musk’s continued pivot away from U.S. political entanglements towards broader international engagement, according to Business Insider Africa.