Headquartered in South Africa, NewSpace Systems is a trusted multinational manufacturer of spacecraft components and subsystems. CEO, Tanya Lerm, updates us on the burgeoning African space industry and what the company has been up to since we last spoke.
ROCKETING TO SUCCESS
For companies like NewSpace Systems (NSS), it is an incredibly exciting time to be part of the African space industry.
The continent is undergoing a remarkable transformation, with momentum accelerating in both the public and private sectors.
“We’re seeing increasing investment and collaboration across African nations, with more countries launching their own space programmes or establishing national space agencies,” introduces CEO, Tanya Lerm.
“This translates into rising demand for locally developed space capabilities, which is exactly where NSS fits in,” she elaborates.
The company is witnessing a key trend in the growing emphasis on sovereignty in space technology. Indeed, there’s a strong drive amongst African governments to develop local capability, not only for economic reasons but also to ensure independent access to critical services like climate monitoring and disaster response, as well as communications infrastructure.
“A further milestone for the industry this year was the launch of the African Space Agency in April 2025, set to play a pivotal role in coordinating space activities across the continent, followed by the NewSpace Africa Conference in Cairo, which I had the privilege of attending.
“This growing institutional support fosters a dynamic environment for innovation, partnerships, and long-term impact,” Lerm impassions.
DEDICATED TO RELIABILITY
Today, NSS is uniquely positioned as a high-reliability manufacturer of satellite subsystems, capable of supporting both customised missions and large-scale constellation programmes.
“Being headquartered in South Africa allows us to deliver space-grade quality at a significantly more competitive price point than many international players, but what truly sets us apart is our customer-centric approach,” explains Lerm.
“We treat our clients as long-term partners, providing exceptional support throughout the mission lifecycle, from engineering collaboration to post-launch support,” she expands.
The company’s growing global presence – with offices in the US, UK, and New Zealand – also enables it to support customers across time zones and regulatory environments, further reinforcing NSS’s commitment to accessibility and responsiveness.
For Lerm, the journey has been both challenging and deeply rewarding.
“Since joining the business, I’ve witnessed the company grow from a small team of 20 to nearly 160 employees, and we’re still expanding!
“I’ve stayed in aerospace because of the discipline it demands, the global perspective it offers, and the sense of purpose that comes from contributing to missions that quite literally reach beyond our planet,” she enthuses.
“I’ve stayed in aerospace because of the discipline it demands, the global perspective it offers, and the sense of purpose that comes from contributing to missions that quite literally reach beyond our planet”
Tanya Lerm, CEO, NewSpace Systems
STRATEGIC EXPANSION
2025 has been a pivotal year for NSS, marked by strategic clarity as the company prepares for the next growth phase.
“We are investing heavily in the future – not only in terms of our people but also the infrastructure, systems, and products that will enable us to scale sustainably and lead with impact,” Lerm excites.
One of the most significant projects currently underway is the construction of NSS’s new 1,270-square-metre, state-of-the-art cleanroom facility, which will see the company’s operational space grow to more than 5,000 sqm.
“This exciting expansion will dramatically increase our manufacturing capacity, allowing us to meet rising global demand whilst continuing to deliver high-reliability space technology.
“It’s not just a physical upgrade – it’s a strategic enabler that will mean we can take on larger, more complex projects and higher production volumes without compromising on quality,” she predicts.
The company plans to move into the facility before the end of the year.
EXCITING INNOVATION
On the product front, NSS is developing the next generation of its existing flight-proven product lines, including an even more efficient sun sensor, a radiation-hardened magnetometer, a new GPS receiver, and an expanded reaction wheel range.
These redesigned systems will retain their trusted heritage but are being enhanced for easier manufacturability and higher-volume production, enabling the company to meet customer needs more efficiently without compromising performance.
“Parallel to this, we’re expanding into the space radio frequency communications domain, representing an exciting growth area for us.
“This diversification allows us to support the rising demand for in-orbit connectivity and opens new markets and partnership opportunities,” details Lerm.
“Internally, we are upgrading our IT and digital systems, enhancing data visibility, integration, and operational efficiency. These upgrades are essential foundations for scaling and managing increasing complexity across the organisation.”
Collectively, these projects reflect NSS’s commitment to continuous innovation, operational excellence, and long-term relevance in the global space industry.
“We are investing heavily in the future – not only in terms of our people but also the infrastructure, systems, and products that will enable us to scale sustainably and lead with impact”
Tanya Lerm, CEO, NewSpace Systems
TO INFINITY AND BEYOND
Future facing, NSS’s key priorities are focused on scaling operations in a way that ensures long-term success whilst preserving the innovation, quality, and agility that continue to define the company.
“One of our most immediate goals is ramping up production to meet the growing demand from new constellation contracts,” Lerm sets out.
This includes completing a facility expansion – most notably NSS’s new cleanroom, alongside optimising internal systems to support higher-volume, high-reliability manufacturing.
“We’re also strengthening our international footprint by deepening our presence in strategic markets such as Europe and Asia. Expanding our global partnerships will be key to unlocking new opportunities and serving customers in regions with strong growth potential,” she adds.
On the technology front, NSS is continuing to push the boundaries with its next generation of intelligent subsystems, introducing features like built-in diagnostics and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven capabilities to meet the evolving demands of the space sector.
Alongside this, the company is exploring complementary technologies that will allow it to diversify and stay ahead in an increasingly competitive landscape.
“Investing in our people remains a top priority. We’re focused on expanding our talent and leadership pipeline, developing skills at all levels, and growing our internship programme to build a strong foundation for the future.”
For NSS, maintaining its culture of excellence, efficient collaboration, and high performance will undoubtedly prove to be essential.
“Ultimately, our aim is smart, sustainable growth, achieved by balancing operational excellence, global expansion, and continuous innovation to ensure we remain a trusted leader in delivering cutting-edge space technology to a connected and informed world,” Lerm finishes proudly.
