South African Mission to Mars
South African Space Agency (SASA) in partnership with Rossum Space Corp is leading humanity’s next great adventure - a colony on Mars. This proudly South African initiative is building the technology and infrastructure needed to make life on the Red Planet a reality.
Mission to Mars 2035 - Presidential Announcement
Watch the SACB News announcement by the President of South Africa.
Four Phased Mission
PHASE 1
CARGO
DEPLOYMENT
The first phase will be to launch a heavy-lift cargo rocket to Mars, carrying advanced robotic workers, fabrication equipment, and construction materials needed to establish a base.
PHASE 3
RETURN
FLIGHT
The third phase will send a return rocket to Earth with a small contingent of robotic workers, proving the feasibility of a safe round-trip to Mars and back.
PHASE 2
ROBOTIC
CONSTRUCTION
The second phase will deploy and guide robotic workers to assemble biopods, biodomes, and essential facilities capable of supporting human life on Mars.
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PHASE 4
HUMAN
SETTELMENT
The final phase will be to transport the first group of 30 settlers to Mars, marking the dawn of interplanetary habitation.
Launch and Test Sites
Overberg Launch Site
Located in the Overberg region of the Western Cape, the Overberg Launch Site is a former Denel Overberg Test Range converted into a state-of-the-art launch site and mission control center. Known for its history in missile testing and aerospace operations, this facility now features advanced launch pads, astronaut training grounds, and mission command facilities. The coastal location and existing infrastructure make Overberg ideal for safe launches with access to open ocean trajectories toward Mars.
Carnarvon Red Mars Simulation
Just outside Carnarvon in the Northern Cape, this Carnarvon Red site was chosen for its proximity to the Square Kilometre Array and MeerKAT radio telescopes. The desert-like conditions of Carnarvon closely mimic those on Mars, providing a perfect environment for realistic simulations. Here, scientists and astronauts test the equipment, habitats, and life support systems designed for the Martian environment.