South Africa is considering the possibility of reactivating and re-establishing the country’s space launch capability, according to Science and Technology Minister Naledi Pandor.

The launch facilities in the country had been deactivated as part of the country’s nuclear non-proliferation policy, according to Engineering News.

Renewed interest in the space launch capability results from the need to reduce dependence on other countries for launching its satellites.

Pandor said the country was looking to ensure it could carry out all these space processes in its own domain.

“We intend to strengthen the technological and space skills in South Africa,” he said.

South Africa recently launched a small low-earth-observation satellite, Sumbandila, which can take high-resolution images of any area in South Africa.