South Africa - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

PyraLink Aerospace is a South African rocket propulsion startup that fabricates rocket engines, spacecraft components, and provides Launch Services for National Security satellites, Offering access to Orbit from South Africa.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

PyraLink Aerospace: Unlocking affordable, assured access to space for South African satellites. We are now working on an SA-made Tap-Off Cycle Liquid Rocket Engine running on Liquid Oxygen and a refined form of Kerosene (Rocket Propellant-1) to test at the Denel Overberg Test Range Q4 2025. A high-performance, domestically produced KEROLOX rocket engine. This engine will power PyraLink's Launch Vehicles, enabling them to deploy South African Air Force satellites into orbit without relying on external launch providers. Commercialization Path: Upon successful static fire testing, we will integrate the engine(s) into our Launch Vehicle for national space missions because a Rocket Engine alone will NOT get us into Space. Additionally, Connecting African satellite operators/manufacturers to Launch service providers through our MVP, pyralink.co.za, Selling Launch Services using our South African-made rocket engine will be a multi-pronged approach, prioritizing securing contract with SANSA

01.02 What is the main problem you are trying to solve?

The Need: South Africa, like many developing nations, currently faces a critical hurdle in its space ambitions – dependence on foreign launch providers. challenges: • Cost: Foreign Launch Services can be expensive (R), limiting the number and type of satellites South Africa can deploy. • Limited Control: Relying on external providers restricts the South African Space Agency control over deployment schedules and potentially sensitive satellite technology. • Strategic Considerations: Classified National security, weather and scientific research satellites might require specific launch windows from SA Proposed Solution: A fully privately funded launch service for medium and large satellites. This will be the first of its kind in Africa, making it easier and more affordable for African nations and organizations to get their satellites into orbit. Hardware/Product: A focus on the design, development, and fabrication of a new Powerful South African Rocket engine and its sub-systems.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your startup provides (at least 3).

Economic Benefits: • Job Creation: The development, manufacturing, and operation of Rockets/engines necessitate a skilled workforce. This can lead to the creation of new jobs in engineering, space tech, rocket propulsion, and other space related fields. • Growth of a New Space launch Industry: A flourishing space sector can attract investments, promote the implementation of the SANSA National Space & Defence Strategy and the African Space Strategy. • Tourism: Imagine you are at a beach, and you see a South African rocket launch, I think that is cool and a lot more south africans need to witness that. Strategic & National Security Benefits: • Sovereign Launch Capability: Deploying satellites crucial for SANDF, SAAF, communication, and Earth observation purposes. This allows for faster deployment of satellites and quicker reaction times for time-sensitive missions. • National Pride & Inspiration: A thriving rocket engine program can serve as a source of national pride.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your startup’s product/service is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

PyraLink Aerospace Launch Service is targeted at two primary customer groups: 1. African Space Agencies: Scientific Research Institutions: Universities and the CSIR in South Africa can leverage PyraLink Aerospace to Launch scientific satellites/payloads to study the Earth, space weather, or conduct astronomical observations without waiting in line for the Falcon 9, no shade. South African Department of Defense/Air Force with needs for transporting spacecraft/satellites into orbit from South African soil can also benefit from PyraLink Aerospace Launch Services package. 2. Private Upstream Space Companies: Commercial Satellite Operators: While the primary focus is on African customers, PyraLink Aerospace Launch Service can also be attractive to commercial satellite operators worldwide, especially those targeting the African market. Earth Observation Services: Companies offering data on agriculture, resource management, or environmental monitoring.

01.05 When was your company established?

2022-01-03

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

No

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

0

01.08 Among the other owners, how many are female?

0

01.09 Please describe the profile of the other owners within your startup (skills, experience, etc.)

I'm Thato Lawrence Matjila, a South African entrepreneur with a passion for space. I'm the sole director of PyraLink Aerospace, a private company dedicated to building South African-made rocket engines and spacecraft components. We also provide Launch Services specifically for National Security satellites. My goal? To make frequent access to space a reality for most African satellites! I grew up in Seshego, Limpopo, South Africa, surrounded by my six siblings. It wasn't always rockets and satellites! Before diving into the world of aerospace, I actually spent some time selling farm fresh eggs, ran my side hustle as a junior photographer, capturing the beauty of wildlife, and also worked in sales selling accidental insurance in Cape Town. This diverse background has shaped my approach to doing business. I've been fortunate to be featured in various publications and events, including the World Science Forum, South African National Space Conference 2023 and Geo Week.

01.10 If you have a website, a social media page (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin…), or app, please provide the link(s) here:

https://pyralink.co.za

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

Other: Space & Defence Industry

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

2

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

02.03.01 My startup contributes to the Good health and well-being goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification for my startup

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

5

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

When PyraLink Aerospace launches customer satellites that provide internet access to remote areas, it could indirectly contribute to improved educational opportunities.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

2

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

3

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

5

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification for my startup

Pyralink Aerospace is involved in research & development related to space-based solar panel solutions, it would be directly contributing to this SDG.

02.08.01 My startup contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

5

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

The space sector requires skilled professionals in engineering, project management, and various technical fields. PyraLink Aerospace launch services could stimulate job growth in these areas within Africa.

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

Innovation: Developing indigenous South African rocket technology: PyraLink Aerospace focus on building our own rocket engines (Protea RB-E1) represents a significant leap in South African rocket propulsion capabilities. This fosters domestic innovation and reduces reliance on foreign technology. PyraLink could inspire and contribute to the development of new technologies in related fields like materials science, propulsion systems, and control software. Infrastructure: Building Launch Facilities: PyraLink Aerospace agreement with the South African Air Force to utilize a launchpad at Overberg Test Range signifies infrastructure development within the African space industry. This creates a crucial element for future space activities. Enabling access to space for Africa: By providing launch services, PyraLink could encourage and facilitate space exploration and applications for other African nations. This fosters regional infrastructure for space utilization.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

2

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

Earth observation satellites in South Africa are crucial for monitoring climate change. When PyraLink Aerospace launches customer satellites, it would be directly contributing to this SDG.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

02.16.01 My startup contributes to the Peace Justice and Strong Institutions goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

3

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

06.01 There are a large number of customers who already use a product/service very similar to the product/service we envision creating.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.02 The product/service represents an entirely new type of product/service.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.03 The product/service could be described as a new technology.

6

06.04 The product/service is an improvement on an existing product or service.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.05 The product/service could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

6

06.06 The product/service responds to a demand or need that has not been satisfied by other products/services.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.07 The product/service is a new version of an old product/service.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.08 Justification for my startup

The combustion tap-off cycle is rather unconventional for rocket engines as it has only been put into practice with two engines. The most unique aspect of this cycle is that it allows for the engine to go into “idle mode” with a much lower thrust than maximum. The wide range of thrust options allows for this cycle to be throttled, which is very appealing for

06.09 Competitive Analysis

• ASReG (UKZN) • Rocket Lab • Skyroot Aerospace • Agnikul PyraLink focus on Specific Niche: Dedicated Defence Launch services: Providing customized Launch solutions for specific DoD & customer requirements. National Security Satellite Launch market (NSSL) AND our rocket is Medium-class focusing on large satellites. Regeneratively cooled engine, As a relatively new company, Our approach to doing aerospace business is different form our competition, think of this as a Space logistics company:)

11.05 Are you initiating actions within your community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs?