In a remarkable achievement for South African higher education, two postgraduate students from the University of South Africa's (Unisa) College of Science, Engineering and Technology (CSET) have been selected for a prestigious six-month internship programme with STAR.VISION, a pioneering aerospace and artificial intelligence (AI) company based in Hangzhou, China. This opportunity underscores Unisa's growing prominence in fostering international collaborations that equip students with cutting-edge skills in space technology and data science.
The selection process was highly competitive, drawing applicants from around the world. Elisep Mogapi, a doctoral candidate at the Unisa Centre for Astrophysics and Space Studies (UCASS), and Nomcebo Sekgoto, a master's degree candidate at the Centre for Augmented Intelligence and Data Science (CAIDS), emerged as standout candidates. Their upcoming immersion in STAR.VISION's innovative environment promises not only hands-on experience but also the chance to contribute to real-world aerospace projects that blend AI with satellite technology.
Meet the Trailblazing Students
Elisep Mogapi brings a strong foundation in physics to her doctoral research at UCASS, where she explores data science applications in space studies. Her passion lies in leveraging advanced technologies for Earth observation and space-based data processing. Mogapi views the internship as a pivotal step: "What makes this particularly meaningful is STAR.VISION’s emphasis on AI-enabled satellite systems and space-based data processing. Being part of such a forward-looking environment motivates me to deepen my understanding of how advanced technologies can transform Earth observation."
Nomcebo Sekgoto, pursuing her Master of Science in Computing at CAIDS, focuses her thesis on developing a machine learning framework for predictive maintenance of ageing energy infrastructure. Supervised by Professor Ernest Mnkandla, Head of CAIDS, and Professor James Chibueze, Head of UCASS, Sekgoto is eager to align her work with global standards. She shared, "Being selected for this internship provides me with a great opportunity to align my research project with world-class aerospace innovation. Through this experience, I aim to bridge the gap between satellite technology and terrestrial infrastructure resilience."
These students exemplify the calibre of talent emerging from Unisa's postgraduate programmes, where rigorous academic training meets practical ambition.
🚀 Inside the STAR.VISION Internship Programme
The six-month winter internship at STAR.VISION offers participants unparalleled access to hands-on training on aerospace projects. Interns collaborate with seasoned professionals and an international cohort of engineers and scientists, delving into areas such as space engineering, AI integration, and satellite data analysis. STAR.VISION, headquartered in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, specializes in space computing as a utility, deploying AI directly in orbit to process data in real-time.
Key components of the programme include:
- Mentorship from industry experts in AI satellite design and deployment.
- Work on advanced projects involving hyperspectral imaging, synthetic aperture radar (SAR), and broadband communications satellites.
- Exposure to the company's Wonder series satellites, which feature on-board AI chips delivering up to 400 tera operations per second (TOPS).
- Opportunities to contribute to data-as-a-service platforms and AI models for geographic information systems (GIS) analysis.
This structure ensures interns gain both technical proficiency and a global perspective on the aerospace industry's future.
The Genesis of the Unisa-STAR.VISION Partnership
The collaboration traces back to August 2025, when Unisa and STAR.VISION signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance space studies research. This historic agreement targets the design, development, testing, and deployment of advanced AI algorithms for remote-sensing satellites. For more on the partnership's inception, visit the Space in Africa announcement.
This MoU positions Unisa as a key player in bridging African academia with Asian technological prowess, fostering knowledge exchange in high-demand fields like AI-driven space observation.
Unisa's Strategic Push into Aerospace and Aviation
Unisa has positioned aviation and aeronautical studies as one of its ten catalytic niche areas, aligning with South Africa's economic priorities. The country boasts 18 airports, including major hubs like OR Tambo International, handling vast passenger and cargo traffic. Unisa's offerings span aviation mechanics, engineering, electronics, operations, safety policies, and passenger experience management—all calibrated to international standards.
A landmark development came in March 2026 when Unisa became the first African university to acquire and operate its own airport facility spanning 20 hectares. This site serves as a training hub for aviation, drone technology, and digital systems, providing students with real-world experience that closes the theory-practice gap. Details on this milestone can be found in Unisa's aviation-led development project.
Additional partnerships, such as with the Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS), further bolster research and skills in aviation.
CSET: Nurturing South Africa's Engineering Leaders
The College of Science, Engineering and Technology (CSET) at Unisa is a hub for innovative postgraduate programmes, including the Master of Engineering (90121), which prepares students for doctoral research and industry leadership. Specializations cover applied mathematics, astronomy, and computing—fields directly relevant to aerospace.
Centres like UCASS and CAIDS drive interdisciplinary research. UCASS advances astrophysics and space science, while CAIDS pioneers augmented intelligence applications. CSET's emphasis on affordable, accessible education democratizes access to these high-impact areas.
AI and Space Technology: A Symbiotic Frontier
STAR.VISION exemplifies the fusion of AI and aerospace. Their satellites process data on-orbit using the innovative "STRING" AI computing unit, achieving sub-10 meter geolocation accuracy and 300 km swaths. This reduces latency for applications in disaster monitoring, agriculture, and urban planning.
For South Africa, where satellite data can enhance energy infrastructure monitoring and climate resilience, Sekgoto's research aligns perfectly. Explore STAR.VISION's innovations at their official website.
Learn more about the official announcement in Unisa's press release.
Broader Impacts on South African Higher Education
This internship signals a shift in South African universities towards global mobility in STEM fields. With the aerospace sector projected to grow amid Africa's space ambitions—evidenced by initiatives like the African Space Agency—such programmes build critical human capital.
Benefits include:
- Skill transfer in AI and space tech, addressing SA's Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) needs.
- Enhanced employability, with aerospace engineers commanding premium salaries.
- Research synergies, potentially leading to joint publications and grants.
- Diversification of international partnerships beyond traditional Western collaborators.
Challenges like visa processes and cultural adaptation are offset by Unisa's support structures.
Navigating Challenges in International STEM Internships
While opportunities abound, students must prepare for cultural nuances in China, such as hierarchical work cultures and language barriers (though English is common in tech firms). Step-by-step preparation includes:
- Building a strong CV highlighting research and technical skills.
- Gaining proficiency in tools like Python, MATLAB, and AI frameworks.
- Securing endorsements from supervisors.
- Applying early via university portals.
Unisa's international office provides guidance on funding and logistics.
Future Prospects for SA Aerospace Talent
Returning interns like Mogapi and Sekgoto will likely influence Unisa's curriculum, incorporating China-sourced insights. South Africa's aerospace industry, bolstered by Denel Aeronautics and emerging private players, stands to benefit from this talent pipeline. Projections indicate a 15-20% growth in space-related jobs by 2030, driven by satellite constellations and drone regulations.
Unisa's airport and partnerships position it as a leader, potentially spawning spin-offs in UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) tech and remote sensing.
How Aspiring Students Can Pursue Similar Opportunities
To emulate this success:
- Enroll in relevant Unisa postgrad programmes like Master of Engineering or MSc Computing.
- Engage in research at UCASS or CAIDS.
- Monitor CSET announcements for internship calls.
- Network via conferences and LinkedIn.
Scholarships from the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) can fund such ventures.
This internship not only elevates individual careers but fortifies South Africa's place in the global aerospace arena, blending African ingenuity with Eastern innovation for a brighter, star-bound future.
Photo by Raka Rahmadani on Unsplash