A South African tight-knit group of friends who share a love for problem-solving, innovation, and a good challenge have developed a conceptual lunar satellite mission called “SLINQI”, and now the world stage is inviting them to share their innovative project with global leaders and institutions.
Stellenbosch, South Africa (11 August 2025) – After taking the chance to enter a global student competition as something fun to push themselves, a group of six passionate postgraduate engineering students from Stellenbosch University have achieved something that has far exceeded expectations: the opportunity to represent South Africa at a global space engineering competition in Tokyo!
Taking place in November this year, the MIC9 Mission Idea Contest, which is part of the UNISEC-Global 11th International Meeting, presents these South African innovators with the opportunity to present their conceptual lunar satellite mission, “SLINQI”.
“Stellenbosch Lunar Interferometric Network for Quasi-static Imaging (SLINQI) is a 6U CubeSat satellite that would form part of a constellation on the far side of the moon, designed to do deep space observations far from Earth’s interference,” shares Nortier Geyer on behalf of the team.
The Stellies Engineers are currently doing their Master’s of Engineering in Electronic Engineering with a focus on aerospace and robotics.
“We honestly didn’t expect to get this far—it started as a passion project. Now, it’s turned into an opportunity to showcase South African engineering on a global stage.
“While the recognition is amazing, getting to Tokyo to present our work is expensive. Technically, the competition only requires one team member to attend and give the presentation. But for us, this project has been a true team effort from start to finish — every design choice, calculation, and late-night problem-solving session was shared,” Nortier explains.
With their sights set on Tokyo to share their innovative ideas with international experts, the SLINQI team has launched a fundraising campaign to help raise the R210,000 they will need to cover flights, accommodation, and travel expenses.
“We believe the experience, learning opportunities, and international exposure are just as valuable for the whole team as they are for the presenter. That’s why we’re aiming to get all six of us to Tokyo.”
To help these brilliant minds engage with leading space institutions, connect with global peers, and expand their academic and technical horizons, consider donating to their BackaBuddy page.
Sources: Supplied
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