into space

It all about money! The final frontier (space) depends on the cost of getting off our planet.

Now we have seen the SpaceX (Elon Musk) capsule doing its last test flight (September) and now it is into operation. Three astronauts got to the ISS and SpaceX has a contract for a total of six flights this year. There are other companies looking at the re-usable option, but it is all based on a massive rocket blasting into space. The big question is: are there other technologies which will offer the same or lower cost, but not based on a traditional rocket?

We need to look at whether it is a manned flight or a cargo delivery to ISS (or any other space station). Manned flights must be more secure and less stressful (G-forces!) whereas a cargo flight is not concerned about G-forces and so on.

The concept of Single-stage to orbit (SSTO) might be the concept that will further reduce costs.

Skylon seems to be at the forefront with its air-breathing rocket engines development. Estimates are that Skylon can reduce the cost per kg into space by 50%.

But what about out-of-the-box stuff?

The one I truly like (and I think the closest in time) is the space-sled concept. In essence: a long tube (130 km) running up a mountain (at least 6 km up) and all of it powered by maglev. That means there is not traditional motor. We talk electrical coils.

The advantage is that the ‘sled’ lands as a normal plane. It can immediately be re-used. As we are talking cargo only, such a sled can transport some 11 tons to ISS (which is a bit more than SpaceX).

And the cost: fully functional maybe as low as $50 per kg which is 5% of the traditional market.

Here is the clincher! Look at what Branson and Elon are (also) doing – HyperLoop.

A long tube between big cities in the US. Maglev. Hyper-speed. Any bets that they are looking at further reducing costs to space?

Dimension Data celebrates 25 years of driving educational change in SA with consistent 100% pass rate

Johannesburg, 07 September 2020 – Leading global IT solutions and technology provider, Dimension Data, celebrates the 25th anniversary of its hugely impactful Saturday School programme.

The programme offers high school students across Gauteng (and now Port Elizabeth) a free to attend tutoring and educational support programme to assist disadvantaged grade 11 and 12 students with supplementary lessons of their weekday classes.

Each year 100 learners show true commitment and ambition to build bright futures as they spend their Saturdays attending Saturday School classes, receiving additional lessons and tutoring in mathematics, physical science, English, life sciences, computer studies, coding, leadership and entrepreneurial skills.

“The Saturday School is our flagship CSR programme because of the year-on-year success it has shown, not just in the results achieved but also with the impact on the lives of those who join us for the programme,” says CEO Grant Bodley. “I’m particularly proud of our staff who give of their time to mentor our Saturday School learners.

“We don’t do this because it looks good on a shareholder report or tells a good story. We do it because we believe a business needs to justify its place and role in society by mentoring the citizens of tomorrow as part of doing ‘good’ business.”

The Covid-19 pandemic has of course presented some challenges in teaching learners Advertorial in the 2020 intake, but Dimension Data employees have used technology to make the transition as seamless as possible, delivering reliable mobile connectivity so that teachers can teach virtually through WhatsApp where they can share content, answer questions, and facilitate online learning.

Embarking on the next 25 years

Testament to the success of the programme and in the 25-year legacy, the programme now expands beyond the Gauteng region into Port Elizabeth. Bodley says that was driven first and foremost by the company’s employees in the region.

With no sign of slowing, the Saturday School programme has shown resilience during Covid-19 working tirelessly with the class of 2020 as we approach the end of the academic year, demonstrating the breadth and impact of this youth development programmes across people, their communities and our continent.

More information on the programme can be found on the Dimension Data website, or by clicking through here.