Our Story
Building Africa's Space Future
From a vision of African space sovereignty to a thriving ecosystem of innovation. Here's how Cape Constellation is transforming the continent's space industry.
The Challenge
Why Africa Needed a New Approach
Africa does not have sovereign space capability. Space infrastructure is expensive, products are mostly built abroad, and there are no African space-quality manufacturers.
The traditional approach to spacecraft - building where you design - is too expensive. Systems houses have a monopoly on price, and constellations cannot close their business plans.
The US/EU venture capital model doesn't fit Africa well. There's a valley of death between grant funding and seed investment, deal flow is near-impossible, and exits are difficult.
Global Spacecraft TAM
10%+ CAGR Growth
Our Solution
Venture Studio 'Lite' Model
IP and systems-independent spacecraft manufacturing. The Samsung/Apple approach to space.
Horizontal Integration
We build spacecraft the way Samsung builds phones. Massively lower overheads through distributed manufacturing with centralized assembly.
Lift As You Rise
Skills transfer and employment creation. We build an ecosystem, not a monopoly. Every success lifts the entire African space industry.
Sovereign Capability
Building African space independence. Local manufacturing, local talent, international markets. Africa doesn't need to depend on foreign satellites.
The Journey
30+ Years in the Making
SIL Founded
Space Innovations Limited - James's first space venture
SSBV Founded
Satellite Services BV established in Europe
Moved to SA
James relocates to Western Cape, South Africa
NewSpace Systems
Founded what became Africa's largest space company
NewCraft Founded
New spacecraft manufacturing venture launched
Cape Constellation
Africa's premier space-tech incubator opens
Components Delivered
of Global Satellites
Years to Scale
in Africa
Proven Track Record
The NewSpace Systems Story
James Barrington-Brown founded NewSpace Systems in 2014. In just 10 years, it became Africa's largest space company with 10,000 components on approximately 20% of global satellites.
The formula: Start-up, Scale-up, Sell. Prove the market, build the team, transfer the knowledge.
"International market knowledge is key. The team - employment and skills transfer - that's what matters." - James Barrington-Brown
Meet the Team Behind the Vision
Learn about the leadership driving Africa's space revolution.
Meet Our Leadership