F'SATI 2023 Annual Report

French South African Institute of Technology

Africa Space Innovation Centre

ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT 2023

Compiled by Prof Innocent Ewean Davidson Director: F’SATI and ASIC

23 January 2024

1. Executive Summary

The past five decades have demonstrated that every facet of human advancement is woven around a sound and stable energy and communications infrastructure. Over the past decade, South Africa has become increasingly dependent on space-based applications to manage its national resources and security objectives, as well as its goal to become 100 % digital economy in readiness for Industry 4.0 opportunities and challenges. The French South African Institute of Technology and the Africa Space Innovation Centre (F’SATI-ASIC) is a CPUT flagship programme

F’SATI-ASIC will continue to build and launch nanosatellites and offer the structured Master's degree in Satellite Systems and Applications, thus catering to the growing Space Industry in South Africa, Southern Africa, Africa and internationally. F’SATI is developing a joint master's degree with Paris-East Créteil University (UPEC), Créteil, Île-de-France, France. The revised and updated curriculum re-invigorates the joint degree programme scheduled to commence in September 2024 for UPEC, and January 2025 for CPUT.

The programme includes electives that satisfy the criteria of the Pan African University Institute for Space Sciences (PAUSS). The programme combines the technical strengths of CPUT’s space technology with the space science expertise of UPEC. To strengthen the programme, and to build local capacity in space science and technology (SST), we have engaged in strategic partnerships, cooperation, and collaboration with other institutions with Space Programmes, which provides additional qualified specialist staff, which enriches the programme, and serves our mutual interests in training graduates for space industry

As we transit into a digital economy, SST has been recognised as playing a pivotal role in communications, remote sensing and actuation in industry, aviation, maritime/land transportation, urbanisation, mapping and surveying, human (occupational) health, enhancing human motor, sensing and cognitive abilities, disaster management, sustainable agriculture, environmental monitoring, food security, natural resource management, and exploring unapproachable areas. This focus area serves as a catalyst for expanding current research to leverage the

societal benefits that can be derived from multidisciplinary space-based services. The CPUT Oceans Plastic project is an example of such multidisciplinary research initiatives, involving several institutions as well.

Operation Phakisa is an initiative by the South African government to fast-track the implementation of critical solutions that address issues highlighted in the National Development Plan (NDP). It’s first initiative focuses on the South African ocean economy and is subdivided into four areas, one of which focuses on Marine Protection Services and Governance. The main thrust of research within this focus area is creating space-based solutions to enhance the maritime domain awareness (MDA) of the South African exclusive economic zone, of which the ASIC M2MSat project is a critical contribution.

ASIC was established as a formal RTI research centre within CPUT in 2013, and has since evolved into a vibrant innovation hub, where its graduates and engineers develop cutting edge nanosatellite technologies in new high-tech facilities. These technologies help to support space-based applications such as space weather research, marine vessel tracking, wildfire detection and monitoring, communications, and technology validation. ASIC’s team of engineers has developed a suite of communications products with proven space heritage on a growing number of missions. These products span VHF, UHF, S- and X-band for telemetry and payload data communications. ASIC is also responsible for the full lifecycle development of nanosatellite missions.

The vision of F'SATI and ASIC is to be a world-class African innovation and support hub with end-to-end capability in the design and manufacture of nanosatellites and their components, space operations and ground-based support. This vision will continue to be sustained, as we innovate and adapt to a rapidly changing world.

2. Highlights

2.1. F’SATI MID-YEAR EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT BOARD MEETING IN PARIS

The mid-year F’SATI Executive Management board meeting was held on the 4th of July 2023 in Paris, France. The meeting was hosted by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry - île-de-France (CCI-IDF) at the headquarters of the CCI. The meeting held fruitful discussions and engagements regarding the sustainability of the programme and the ongoing developments within the programme. A highlight of the meeting was a presentation made by Ms Natacha Ephimoff from the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs who reiterated the commitment of the French Government towards the F’SATI programme and the French South African academic collaborations. A further highlight was the adoption by the EMB of the joining of the University of Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines (UVSQ) as an Associate member of the broader F’SATI programme.

Members of the F’SATI EMB at the mid-year meeting of July in Paris, France.

2.2. APPOINTMENT OF NEW NODE DIRECTOR

Professor Innocent Ewean Davidson was appointed as the new Director of F’SATI and ASIC at CPUT and started in this capacity on 1 April 2023. Professor Davidson joined F’SATI CPUT from Durban University of Technology and has a long history of academic and research appointments at various universities in South Africa and Canada, including the former Peninsula Technikon, one of the institutions that merged to form the current Cape Peninsula University of Technology.

2.3. F’SATI WORKSHOP AT TUT

During August 2023, a workshop was organised with staff from F’SATI at CPUT, Prof. Kurien from F’SATI at TUT and Prof Dieng from F’SATI/UGE. The workshop provided valuable contexts to the collaborative efforts of the F’SATI nodes and the French partner institutions.

Prof. Davidson together with Staff and Students at F’SATI TUT during demonstration of various projects being developed at F’SATI TUT.

2.4. RESEARCH COLLABORATION VISIT TO UGE AND UPEC

During September 2023, a visit was organised to UGE and UPEC. The visit formed part of an ongoing process of re-establishing collaborative research linkages with the

two key French academic partners and to explore details of staff and student mobility as well as the Joint Master’s programme that has been developed between F’SATI CPUT and UPEC.

Prof. Davidson with Prof. Juan Cuesta and Dr Paola Formenti at UPEC and Prof. Eva Dokladalova during the visit.

2.5. SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL SPACE CONFERENCE 2023

The 2023 South African National Space Conference took place at the CSIR Convention Centre in Pretoria between the 30th of August and the 1st of September 2023. The theme for this event was “Space for Inclusive Growth” and the event was attended by Prof. Davidson, Mr Nyameko Royi, ASIC Chief Engineer, and Mr Ian van Zyl. This was the first event since 2019 where F’SATI CPUT participated with an accompanying exhibition. The exhibition was well received and afforded the team an excellent platform for networking and identifying and establishing new linkages as well as establishing a new collaboration with the University of Juba in South Sudan. Mr Nyameko Royi presented at the plenary session of the conference which was well received.

Prof Davidson, Mr Royi, and Mr Van Zyl during the plenary session and exhibition.

2.6. IEEE AFRICON, NAIROBI

Prof. Davidson attended the IEEE Africon Conference that took place in Nairobi, Kenya during which he presented two research papers. The event took place between the 20th and the 22nd of September 2023. This year’s theme was focused on “Advancing Technology in Africa Towards Presence on the Global Stage”.

Prof Davidson together with various Emeritus Professors and Professors at the at IEEE Africon.

2.7. ESTABLISHMENT OF ERASMUS+ FAST4FUTURE PROGRAMME

The “Focus on Africa Space Science and Technology for Future Development” project (known as “Fast4Future”) was established in 2023. A collaborative agreement was entered into between the Botswana International University of Science and Technology and a consortium of Universities and Enterprises in Botswana, Nigeria, Zambia, Italy, Sweden, and South Africa. The consortium includes CPUT. According to the agreement, F’SATI CPUT will provide training facilities for various aspects of satellite systems engineering to African students associated with the programme. The programme is funded through an Erasmus Grant. Preparations are currently in progress for the training of delegates from the African partners in the programme and it is expected to commence in March 2024.

2.8. ESTABLISHMENT OF OCEANS PLASTICS GROUP

An outcome of the F’SATI workshop that took place at TUT in August 2023 was the establishment of a Research Project group that will focus on the detection and monitoring of plastic waste found in the oceans and other bodies of water. The Research Group currently comprises Prof. Lamine Dieng (F’SATI/UGE), Prof. Eva Dokladalova (UGE/ESIEE), Prof. Innocent Davidson (F’SATI CPUT), Prof. Anish Kurien (F’SATI TUT), Dr Conrad Sparks (Acting Research Chair in the Oceans Economy, CPUT), Mr Nyameko Royi and Mr Sinamandla Maqina (ASIC CPUT). Further researchers from CPUT, UGE and TUT that span across several disciplines are being co-opted to be part of this multi-disciplinary research project group.

2.9. GEO WEEK AND MINISTERIAL SUMMIT

The 2023 GEO Week and Ministerial Summit, an international event of the Group on Earth Observations, took place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre between the 1st and 6th of November 2023. The event was hosted by the Department of Science and Innovation. F’SATI CPUT exhibited at the event which was attended by approximately 700 attendees from around the world and which provided excellent exposure for the centre. The Minister of Higher Education,

Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande, attended the event and had the opportunity to engage with the F’SATI CPUT team.

Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande together with Prof. Davidson. Mr Van Zyl and Mr Royi at the CPUT exhibit.

2.10. SECOND RESEARCH COLLABORATION VISIT TO UGE AND UPEC

Between the 13th and 17th of November 2023, a second research collaboration visit was organised to France, which included visits to UGE in both Paris and Nantes as well as to UPEC. The CPUT delegation consisted of Prof. Davidson, Dr Ayodele Periola, Prof. Vipin Balyan and Mr Ian van Zyl. The visit was hosted by Prof. Lamine Dieng at UGE and Prof. Juan Cuesta at UPEC.

F’SATI CPUT Team together with Prof. Dieng, Prof. Laetitia Van Schoors from UGE and Dr Neila Bhouri from the UGE team on Modern Transportation Systems.

2.11. JOINT PROGRAMME WITH UNIVERSITY OF JUBA, SOUTH SUDAN

As an outcome of the South African National Space Conference that was held in November 2023, a new linkage was established with the University of Juba in South Sudan. The linkage was facilitated by the African Bilateral Cooperation office of the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI). There is the opportunity to assist the University of Juba with the establishment of a Space Engineering Research Institute in South Sudan. A visit to the University of Juba is planned for February 2024 which will include Prof. Davidson and Mr Royi together with representatives from the DSI and the South African National Space Agency (SANSA).

2.12. RESEARCH ACCOLADES AND STAFF PROMOTIONS

At the CPUT Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment (FEBE) Research Awards 2023, the Africa Space Innovation Centre at F’SATI was awarded the Diamond Award for “Income Generated from Intellectual Property”. During the event, Prof. Davidson also received acknowledgement from the Faculty for receiving a C2 NRF Research Rating. The F’SATI CPUT Team were also happy to be informed that Dr Vipin Balyan had been promoted to the position of Associate Professor. Prof. Davidson, Prof. Balyan, and Dr Gunjan Gupta each received the Postgraduate Supervisor award, and Prof Balyan received the Diamond award for research publications at the awards ceremony

Prof. Davidson, Prof. Balyan, Dr. Gupta, and Mr Royi at the CPUT FEBE Research Awards 2023

2.13. VISITORS

During 2023, the F’SATI at CPUT was visited by the following academics:

Prof. Lamine Dieng from Université Gustave Eiffel

Prof. Anish Kurien from Tshwane University of Technology

Dr Florence Trentin from the Université de La Réunion

Dr Richard Lorion from the Université de La Réunion

Dr Jean-Pierre Faucon from the Université de La Réunion

Ms Edel Lynch from the Université de La Réunion

Prof. Tiku Iyamu from Cape Peninsula University of Technology (Faculty of Informatics and Design)

Prof. Olayele Adelakun from De Paul University (Chicago, USA)

3. Satellite Systems Engineering Programme

3.1. Rationale

Since it was established in 2009, the Postgraduate Programme in Satellite Systems Engineering at CPUT has received over ten years of sustained funding from the Department of Science & Innovation (DSI) and the National Research Foundation (NRF) for the development of human capacity and skills required by the South African space industry. The Master of Engineering (MEng) in Satellite Systems and Applications (MEng SSA) is an example of a smartly developed qualification, aligning with ECSA requirements for professional engineering registration, as well as EURACE standards.

3.2. Academic Programme

The Collaborative Master’s programme (MSc) offered at F’SATI in collaboration with ESIEE Paris that had been accredited by the Conférence des Grandes Ecoles (CGE) in France officially concluded in 2022. A new joint master’s programme with Université Paris-Est Créteil will commence in January 2025.

A structured master’s programme in Satellite Systems and Applications was introduced in 2019 with a first intake in 2020, while the option for a full research Master’s qualification still exists.

3.2.1. Course structure

Satellite Mission Analysis and Design:

This course aims to introduce students to Satellite Mission Analysis and design. The scope is to cover the mission design process from broad mission objectives to a final mission concept baseline. Complete system design and sizing are studied down to the subsystem level. This includes both space and ground segments. The complex

interrelationship between the various system parameters and trade-offs between alternative mission architectures are discussed.

Engineering for Space environment:

The space environment is a branch of astronautics, aerospace engineering and space physics that seeks to understand conditions that exist in space and the impact that these conditions have on the design and operation of spacecraft. Aspects of the space environment important for spacecraft engineering are discussed. This course aims to explore the methods and techniques used in designing space-borne systems operating in aerospace and the space environment. The course will cover mechanical load analysis and various techniques resulting in a robust design. The required physics will be covered as part of the course, followed by several simulation tools exercises.

Satellite Applications:

The applications of satellite technology are varied and play an essential part in our daily lives. Areas of importance are navigation, communication, weather and earth observation. This course focuses on weather and earth observation applications and the analysis of the data received from satellites. Advanced digital image processing, interpretation and analysis methods are used to assess and analyse the data critically. The ability to evaluate and apply advanced methods and tools for image data exploration, modelling and prediction are key competency areas that will be addressed. These competencies have applications in environmental resource management and are one of the application areas that will be explored in this course.

Research Methodology:

The subject teaches participants to demonstrate higher-order cognitive skills to critically reflect on different theoretical perspectives and evaluate complex ideas and concepts at an abstract level relevant to the discipline and field of study. Participants gain the tools to contribute to the body of knowledge in the domain and field of study

by completing a research project using appropriate research design principles and methods. The subject equips students with the ability to work both autonomously and collaboratively as novice researchers in the field of study and professional practice and communicate effectively with a range of audiences using appropriate methods of communication. Participants will be able to demonstrate an ability to solve problems in creative and innovative ways and make decisions in challenging situations.

Management of Space Technology:

Management of Space Technology (MoST) is designed to teach students about space business, innovation, and management. This course delves into the advantages of space technology for economic growth, new markets and applications, space programme management, technology innovation and spacebased technology commercialisation. Space technology is a technology developed by space science or the aerospace industry for use in spaceflight, satellites, or space exploration. Space technology includes spacecraft, satellites, space stations, support infrastructure, equipment, procedures, and space warfare.

Satellite Subsystems:

The course introduces the students to subsystem design within the comprehensive design of a complete spacecraft. Students will study each subsystem and analyse a detailed design of each subsystem. The following subsystems will be evaluated: Attitude Determination and Control, On-board Computer, Communications, Electric Power, and Structures. The course is conducted as a project. Each student will take one subsystem. The first two weeks will cover subsystem definitions, trade studies and alternative concepts. The subsystem conceived must be verified to meet the mission and system requirements.

Mini-Thesis: A practical project undertaken by each student.

3.2.2. Subjects offered in 2023.

1 Satellite Applications

Semester 1

Semester 2

1 Engineering for Space Environment

2 Satellite Subsystems

3 Satellite Mission Analysis and Design

Dr Oluseyi Abegunde

Dr Oluwaseyi Babalola

Prof. Vipin Balyan

Dr Ayodele Periola

3.2.3. Consecutive Joint master’s degree with UPEC

As reported previously, discussions on the offering of a joint master’s degree between CPUT and UPEC began in August 2020. With various cross-border qualification types to choose from, the CPUT and UPEC decided that the consecutive type would fit the South African DHET requirements better and that its implementation would not pose a challenge to the French Institutional requirements. UPEC’s contribution in the Space Sciences field contributes to the Mathematical and Natural Science. CPUT will contribute to the Engineering Space and build on their established programme in Satellite Applications. During the visit of CPUT academics to UPEC during November 2023, further details of the joint degree were finalised. This process continues into 2024. The internationalisation of the qualification ensures a mutual exchange of expertise in supervision and tuition with excellent possibilities for staff and student mobility. Through the offering of the master’s degree, more students would be attracted to the offering, boosting student interest.

MEng: Satellite Systems and Applications

Modules offered by CPUT:

o Satellite Applications

o Satellite Mission Analysis and Design

o Engineering for Space Environment

o Satellite Subsystems

o Management of Space Technology

Modules offered by UPEC:

o Satellite Remote Sensing of Earth's Atmospheric Composition

o Introduction to Molecular Spectroscopy for Satellite Remote Sensing

o Astrophysics/Astrochemistry

o Image Processing

Joint Contribution

• Mini Thesis

4. Short Courses

4.1. Short Courses Offered by F’SATI at CPUT

There continues to be growing need for trained cyber security specialists as cybercrime evolves and the digital economy grows. There is still no locally registered qualification in Cyber Security and organisations rely on international certifications that are expensive and not viable in the current economic climate. The expansion of CPUT’s offering as well as the continued interest from industry and government departments are proof that the practical approach followed provides the required expertise for the cyber security environment.

Semester 1

1 Certificate in Cyber Security (Intake 1)

2 Certificate in Cyber Security (Intake 2)

Semester 2

Prof. Elmarie Biermann

Prof. Elmarie Biermann

3 Certificate in Cyber Security (Intake 3) Prof. Elmarie Biermann

4 Certificate in Cyber Security (Intake 4) Prof. Elmarie Biermann

5 Open-Source Intelligence (Intake 1) Prof. Elmarie Biermann

Training will commence in 2024 with the following selection of Certificates:

o Cyber Security

o Cyber Investigations

o Cyber Intelligence

o Cyber Governance

5. Student Matters

5.1.

STUDENT NUMBERS AND DEMOGRAPHICS

During 2023 F’SATI at CPUT had the following student numbers. 2023 SA Non-SA

During 2023, Six students graduated with the MEng. The students that graduated were Randall Press, Gert Kotze, Casey Bryant, Robert Daniels, Gregory Naidoo and Tshipoy Mukind. One student graduated with the DEng, namely Joël Steve Biyoghe Bi Owone. As part of the conclusion of the MSc programme during 2022, a total of Five students met all the requirements for the French MSc degree. The students are

Angela Shumba, Joël Biyoghe Bi Owone, Caleb Hillier, Stuart Barter, and Ryno Nienaber.

5.2. STUDENT EXCHANGES

Mobility to South Africa

During 2023 F’SATI at CPUT hosted the following students as interns:

1 Dumontel E M April - June Mr S. Maqina UPEC

2 El Hmidi Y M April - June Mr S. Maqina UPEC

3 Moulla A M April - June Mr S. Maqina UPEC

4 Nativel C M April - May Prof. V. Balyan Université de La Réunion

Mobility from South Africa

The following students were part of a student exchange with Université de La Réunion during 2023:

1 Mnisi TP F May – July Dr J. Kamanzi Université de La Réunion

2 Nxam VO M May – July Dr J. Kamanzi Université de La Réunion

6. Human Capital

6.1. FULL-TIME CONTRACT STAFF

Administrative

1. CPUT Node Director: Prof Innocent Ewean Davidson (from 01 April 2023)

2. Manager of Operations, Finances and Communications: Mr Ian van Zyl

3. Secretary: Ms Kwanele Soyizwaphi (until 30 June 2023) – Post terminated

ASIC Chief Engineer

1. Mr. Nyameko Royi

ASIC Senior Engineers

1. Mr. Sinamandla Maqina

Development Engineers

1. Vacant

Production Support

1. Ms Lilie Leopold

Engineers-in-Training

1. Mr Jordan Naidoo (until 30 June 2023)

CIR and PLMCC

Dr Kessie Govender continues to serve as the Acting Director of the Centre for Instrumentation Research (CIR). Dr Stephen Bosman serves as the Manager of the Product Lifecycle Management Competency Centre (PLMCC), assisted by Mr. Dennit Adams. Both centres are occasional collaborators of F’SATI at CPUT and their students participate in the F’SATI programme at CPUT.

6.2. FSATI RESEARCH STAFF

1. Research, Academic and Supervisor: Dr Kessie Govender (CPUT)

2. Research, Academic and Supervisor: Prof. Graeme Oliver (CPUT)

3. Research, Academic and Supervisor: Dr Ayodele Periola (CPUT)

4. Research, Academic and Supervisor: Dr Janvier Kamanzi (CPUT)

5. Research, Academic and Supervisor: Dr Ayokunle Ayeleso (CPUT)

6. Research, Academic and Supervisor: Dr Paul Bayendang (CPUT)

7. Research, Academic and Supervisor: Dr Angus Brandt (CPUT)

8. Research, Academic and Supervisor: Prof. Vipin Balyan (CPUT)

7. Research

7.1. RESEARCH PUBLICATION OUTPUT FOR 2023

The following number of research publication outputs was achieved during the year:

A comparative analysis of the outputs generated over the last 5 years is provided in the following figure.

7.2. MEMBERS/PARTICIPANTS

Prof. Inno Davidson (Director)

Prof. Vipin Balyan

Dr Ayodele Periola

Dr Gunjan Gupta

Dr Janvier Kamanzi

Dr Ayokunle Ayeleso

Dr Paul Bayendang

Dr Angus Brandt

7.3. RESEARCH ACTIVITIES DURING 2023

Hitherto, research at F’SATI-ASIC focused on cutting-edge nanosatellite technologies, which support space-based applications such as space weather research, marine vessel tracking, wildfire detection and monitoring, communications, and technology validation. This has led to a development of a suite of communications products with proven space heritage on a growing number of missions. These research products span VHF, UHF, S- and X-band for telemetry, payload data communications, and full lifecycle development of nanosatellite missions.

Research continues in developing the existing subsystems, such as: Attitude Determination and Control, On-board Computer, Communications, Electric Power, and Structures. As earlier stated, space science and technology (SST) is recognised as playing a pivotal role in communications, remote sensing and actuation in industry, aviation, maritime/land transportation, urbanisation, mapping and surveying, human (occupational) health, enhancing human motor, sensing and cognitive abilities, disaster management, sustainable agriculture, environmental monitoring, food security, natural resource management, and exploring unapproachable areas.

This provides a broad range of areas and applications for research. At the F’SATI Board meeting held in Paris on 4th July 2023, CPUT Executive Management made s strategic decision to expand the scope of research activities and offerings beyond electronic and satellite communications, to addressing diverse real-world problems facing both South Africa, and Europe, including the current global energy crises, power shortages and loadshedding in South Africa, amongst other areas of societal challenges. This refocusing serves as a catalyst for expanding current research to leverage the societal benefits that can be derived from inter- and multi-disciplinary space-based services.

The CPUT Oceans Plastic project is an example of such multidisciplinary research initiatives, that commenced in 2023. These research activities are reflected in the variety and slew of technical publications reported in section 9.0, which emanated from on-going research at F’SATI-ASIC, and collaborative work.

7.4. HIGHER DEGREES SUPERVISION DURING 2023

The following external postgraduate students completed dissertations under the supervision/co-supervision of Prof IE Davidson in 2023:

Doctor of Philosophy (DUT) (2023)

Kapidani, Nexhat, BSc Eng., MPhil ..............................................................................

Electrical Engineering

Dissertation: Intelligent use of maritime info-communication systems in developing environments Supervisor: Prof. Sonja Bauk, and Prof. IE Davidson.

Madonsela, Bhekinkosi, BTech MEng (DUT)

Electrical Engineering

Dissertation: Evaluating the Model of Multi-Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) Constellation to Mitigate the Multipath Signals. Supervisor: Prof IE Davidson and Dr Emmanuel Mukubwa

Master of Engineering (DUT) (2023)

Ntlela, Simphiwe A, BTech, Electrical Engineering

Dissertation: Solar Energy-Battery Storage Optimization for Satellite-to-Ground Communication. Supervisor: Prof IE Davidson

7.5. POSTGRADUATE THESIS EXAMINATION DURING 2023

Prof IE Davidson served as external examiner for the following international universities:

[1] Yalisho Girma Loaena, ID NO: PGR/19403/12 (PhD): “Design, Modeling & Performance Analysis of Smart Transformer for Distribution System, Adama Science and Technology University, Adama, Ethiopia, September 2023.

[2] Fydess Khundi-Mkomba, (PhD): “Household Analysis of Energy Poverty, Inequalities, and Transitions: A Cross-Country Study of Rwanda and Malawi”. University of Rwanda, October 2023.

[3] Aban Arop Yor Ayik, (PhD): “Off-Grid Renewable Energy Solutions for Electricity Generation in South Sudan”. University of Rwanda, November 2023.

[4] June Chiaka Levi-Oguike, (PhD): “Decentralized Biopower and Renewable Energy Access – Policy Imperatives and Multi-Stakeholder Criteria”. University of Rwanda, November 2023.

8. Financial Report

SUMMARY OF 2023 FINANCES

● Salaries

CPUT currently funds the positions of Director, Chief Engineer, Senior Engineer, and Operations Manager. The CPUT HR expenditure is below the budgeted amount mainly due to the delayed appointment of a new node director, who only started in April. Staff expenditure against external grants was more, due to the necessitated appointment of a software consultant for 6 months.

● Provisions

The amounts reflected are the balances carried over from year to year. This is because of funds that were received in full before 2021 which still need to be appropriated to finance the launch of the satellites of the M2MSat Mission.

● Grants

The TIA Grant of R18,3 million towards M2MSat is especially noted with appreciation as is additional shortfall funding from DSI. CPUT continued to fund F’SATI as a Prestigious Project (R1 million per annum over 5 years). The last two payments occurred simultaneously in December 2022. The grants by the French Embassy (€5000) and NRF Mobility Grant (R500 000) are hereby acknowledged.

● Scholarships

The continued support of the NRF is acknowledged with sincere appreciation. There was a marked decrease in students who are eligible for NRF support, with no students applying for funding in 2023.

● Professional Fees

The marked under-expenditure on professional fees was caused by the delay of the M2MSat launch from 2023 to 2024. The funds earmarked for launch will be rolled over to 2024.

F'SATI CPUT Financial Report 2023

TOTAL OF INCOME

R19,055,007.71 R18,341,864.04 R15, 801,095.77

9. Appendices

9.1. RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS OUTPUT IN 2023

9.1.1 CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS

1. Fabio Krykhtine, Innocent Davidson, and Felix Mora-Camino, “A Comparative Analysis of AI Techniques Applied to Space and Air Traffic Deconflicting.” In Proceedings of the 4th BRICS SCITECH FORUM, 2023. Nov 28 – Dec 01, 2023, ул. Миклухо-Маклая, 6, Москва, 117198, Moscow, Russia.

2. Bonginkosi Gumede, Emmanuel Mukubwa, Nelendran Pillay and Innocent E Davidson, “Performance Analysis of Filtered Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexed LDPC Codes for Satellite Communication in the Ka-Band ” In Proceedings of IEEE AFRICON 2023 Conference, Sep 20 – 22, 2023, pp. 1 – 6, Kenya School of Monetary Studies, Nairobi, Kenya. DOI: 10.1109/AFRICON55910.2023.10293663

3. Bhekinkosi Madonsela, Emmanuel Mukubwa and Innocent Davidson, “The Analytical Modelling and Estimation of the Signal to Noise Ratio for the GNSS Receivers.” In Proceedings of IEEE AFRICON 2023 Conference, Sep 20 – 22, 2023, pp. 1 – 7, Kenya School of Monetary Studies, Nairobi, Kenya. DOI: 10.1109/AFRICON55910.2023.10293484

4. Leopold, L. N., Bayendang, N. P., and Balyan, V. 2023. "A Nanosatellite Receiver Downconverter C-band to L-band Bandpass Filters Review and design.” In Proceedings of the International Conference on Electrical, Computer and Energy Technologies (ICECET 2023) 16-17 November 2023, Cape Town, South Africa.

9.1.2 ACCREDITED JOURNALS

1. B. Lamiscarre, IE Davidson, Y. Rincón Cuta, LG Zelaya Cruz, F. Mora-Camino Structuring the Urban Airspace for Efficient Logistics Traffic Operation. Revista Ciencia y Poder Aéreo. 2024 Jan 1;19(1). [The scientific journal Ciencia y Poder Aéreo is a biannual publication, edited by the Colombian Air Force Postgraduate School.]

2. F Hao, Q Yang, A Sharma, V Balyan, “Mechanical equipment fault diagnosis based on wireless sensor network data fusion technology”, Paladyn, Journal of Behavioural Robotics, https://doi.org/10.1515/pjbr-2022-0097, 2023

3. Yogesh Patel, Sudeep Tanwar, Rajesh Gupta, Pronaya Bhattacharya, Innocent Ewean Davidson, Royi Nyameko, Srinivas Aluvala, Vprince Vimal, “Deepfake Generation and Detection: Case Study and Challenges ” IEEE Access, Vol. 4, pp. 1- 19, eISSN: 2169-3536, 12 Dec. 2023. DOI: 10.1109/ACCESS.2023.3342107

4. NP Bayendang, MTE Kahn, V Balyan, “Combined cold, heat and power (CCHP) systems and fuel cells for CCHP applications: a topological review”, Clean Energy 7 (2), 436-491, 2023, https://doi.org/10.1093/ce/zkac079

5. U Ikitde, AA Adebiyi, IE Davidson, AS Akinyemi, Enhanced Electric Power Adaptability Using Hybrid Pumped-Hydro Technology with Wind and Photovoltaic Integration, Energy Engineering: Journal of the Association of Energy Engineers 2023, 120(9), pp. 1939-1961; 03 August 2023., (Special Issue: Advanced Heat Pump Technologies for Renewable Energy Utilization), https://doi.org/10.32604/ee.2023.027574

6. L Moodliar, I Davidson, Do the Dam Project - Evaluating floating solar photovoltaic and energy storage at Inanda Dam within eThekwini Municipality, South Africa," Energy Reports, Volume 9, Supplement 10, 2023, Pages 11161125, ISSN 2352-4847, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egyr.2023.05.190

7. K Chauhan, SN Patel, M Kumhar, J Bhatia, S Tanwar, IE Davidson, TF Mazibuko, R Sharma, Deep Learning-Based Single-Image Super-Resolution: A Comprehensive Review, IEEE Access, Vol. 11, Page(s): 21811 – 21830, 02 March 2023, Electronic ISSN: 2169-3536, INSPEC Accession Number: 22775804, https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2023.3251396

8. V Umoh, I Davidson, A Adebiyi, U Ekpe, Methods and Tools for PV and EV Hosting Capacity Determination in Low Voltage Distribution Networks A Review, Energies 2023, 16(8), 3609, 21 April 2023, https://doi.org/10.3390/en160836093

9. Y Patel, S Tanwar, P Bhattacharya, R Gupta, T Alsuwian, IE Davidson, TF Mazibuko, An Improved Dense CNN Architecture for Deepfake Image Detection, IEEE Access, Vol. 11., Page(s): 22081 – 22095, 02 March 2023. Electronic ISSN: 2169-3536. INSPEC Accession Number: 22759615, https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2023.3251417

10. V Umoh, U Ekpe, I Davidson, J Akpan, Mobile Broadband Adoption, Performance Measurements and Methodology: A Review,” Electronics 2023, 12(7), 1630; 30 March 2023. (Section Microwave and Wireless Communications), https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics12071630

11. V Balyan, Evaluation of antenna and relay scheme for cooperative nonorthogonal multiple access. IET Networks, 2023. https://doi.org/10.1049/ntw2.12099

12. JS Biyoghe, V Balyan, Users’ grouping algorithm for fairness improvement of NOMA based multi-beams satellite networks intended for 5G, IET Communications, 2023, https://doi.org/10.1049/cmu2.12653

13. AA Owoade, OO Ogundile, OP. Babalola, V Balyan, “Efficient hybrid enhanced genetic algorithm and ant colony system model for rerouting multimedia message in multiple node–link failures within wireless network”, Wiley, International Journal of Communication Systems, 2023, https://doi.org/10.1002/dac.5507

9.1.3 NON-DHET ACCREDITED JOURNAL

14. Innocent E. Davidson, and Elutunji Buraimoh, "Modeling and Fault Ride-Through Control Strategy for Grid-Supporting Photovoltaic-Based Microgrids.” International Journal of Smart Grid, (IJSMARTGRID), https://doi. org/10.20508/ijsmartgrid’. Vol. 7, No. 2, June 2023. Pp. 69 – 83. ISSN: 2602439X.

PAPER UNDER REVIEW

1. Leopold, Lilie Nalitye and Bayendang, Nganyang Paul and Balyan, Vipin, A Cubesat Receiver Subsystem C-Band to L-Band Downconverter: Analysis, Design and Implementation. Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4640546 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4640546

9.1.4 CHAPTERS IN BOOKS

1. H. Karam, E. Anwama, I.E.A. Davidson, H. Alfazari, F. Krykhtine, F. MoraCamino. (2024). A Methodology for Evaluating Aviation Sustainability Perspectives. In: Nik Mohd., N.A.R., Mat, S. (eds) Proceedings of the 2nd International Seminar on Aeronautics and Energy. ISAE 2022. Lecture Notes in Mechanical Engineering. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-98199-6874-9_23. Part of the Lecture Notes in Mechanical Engineering book series (LNME)

2. B. Lamiscarre, I. Davidson, G. Mykoniatis, L.G.Z. Cruz, F. Mora-Camino, (2024). Assessing Drone-Based Last-Mile Logistics A Hybrid Solution. In: Nik Mohd., N.A.R., Mat, S. (eds) Proceedings of the 2nd International Seminar on Aeronautics and Energy. ISAE 2022. Lecture Notes in Mechanical Engineering Springer Nature, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-99-6874-9_13

3. L. Moodliar, IE Davidson “Upcycling Trash into Cash Through Repurposing the Bisasar Road Landfill Site into a Solar PV and Energy Storage Site in eThekwini Municipality.” In Future Energy: Challenge, Opportunity, and Sustainability Sep 28, 2023, pp. 25-36. Cham: Springer International Publishing. 528608.

9.2.1

CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS

1. J. Kamanzi, M. Adonis, M. Kahn. Design and performance analysis of a delta photovoltaic roofing tile.” In Proceedings of the 3rd Energy & Human Habitat Conference 2022, Cape Town, December 2022.

9.2.3 CHAPTERS IN BOOKS

1. GJ Naidoo, R van Zyl, G Gupta, “ZACube-2 Mission Operations Analysis.” In International Conference on Data Science, Machine Learning and Applications, 26 Dec 2022, pp. 251-265. Singapore: Springer Nature Singapore. (Lecture Notes in Electrical Engineering book series, volume 1038)

2. G Gupta, R Van Zyl, Resource Sharing in Back Haul Satellite-Based NOMA Network, In International Conference on Computing, Communications, and Cyber-Security, 21 Oct 2022, Singapore: Springer Nature Singapore. Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems book series (LNNS, volume 664), 169-175.

3. G Gupta, R Van Zyl (2022): Survey Based on Configuration of CubeSats Used for Communication Technology. In Second International Conference on Sustainable Technologies for Computational Intelligence, Part of the Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing book series (AISC), volume 1235, 59-71. Springer Singapore.

4. OP Babalola, V Balyan, Cell Outage Detection in 5G Self-organizing Networks Based on FDA-HMM, In International Conference on Computing, Communications, and Cyber-Security, 21 Oct 2022, (pp. 119-130). Singapore: Springer Nature Singapore. Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems, vol 664, 2023, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-99-1479-1_9

5. G Gupta, R Van Zyl (2022): NOMA-based LPWA networks, In Expert Clouds and Applications: Proceedings of 2021 International Conference on Expert Clouds and Applications (ICOECA), 2022 (pp. 523-530). Springer Singapore. Part of the Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems book series (LNNS,volume 209), 523530.

9.3 STUDENT LIST CPUT

Design, implementation and deployment of test bed for LoRa communication architecture on nanosatellite constellations

5 Mashabane N M

6 Mtshiza K F

7 Naidoo GJ

8 Okkers DA M

9 Pilingane Z M

10 Van Wyk C

211069841 Dr A Raji

Prof. PW van der Walt Mr M Slamdien

213295172 Dr G Wiid

Prof. R van Zyl

Dr G Gupta

Satellite Systems and Applications Design and development of a generic SMPS hold-up module for pulse amplifiers

Satellite Systems and Applications

Development of an electrically small VHF antenna for nanosatellites.

Satellite Systems and Applications An analysis of the ZACube-2 mission operations

209097280 Dr A Brandt Satellite Systems and Applications Optimised path scheduling for a geo synchronous cube satellite ground station using software-defined networking

202133982 Dr V Balyan Satellite Systems and Applications Development of a High-Performance Digital IF Receiver for Radar Systems

213000059 Prof. R van Zyl

Satellite Systems and Applications Development of a multi-band horn antenna for EMC testing. 11 Wait

Dr G Wiid

for a NOMA- and beamforming-based 5G integrated- satellite-terrestrial cognitiveradio-underlay network.

based Cooperative multicasting for High reliability (5G) access scheme