South Africa - Startup under 3 years old

Décrivez votre projet en quelques mots

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 Décrivez votre startup en détail

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 Quel est le problème principal que vous essayez de résoudre ?

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 Dites-nous quels sont les principaux avantages et/ou bénéfices de l'utilisation du produit/service fourni par votre startup (au moins 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 Veuillez décrire précisément à qui s'adresse le produit/service de votre startup. Quels sont les bénéficiaires visés ?

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 Quand votre entreprise a-t-elle été créée ?

03/01/2022

01.06 Vendez-vous déjà votre produit/service ?

Non

01.07 Combien y a-t-il de propriétaires de votre entreprise en plus de vous ?

0

01.08 Parmi les autres propriétaires, combien sont des femmes ?

0

01.09 Veuillez décrire le profil des autres propriétaires de votre startup (compétences, expérience, 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 Si vous avez un site web, une page sur les médias sociaux (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin...) ou une application, veuillez fournir le(s) lien(s) ici :

https://pyralink.co.za

01.11 Quel est le secteur d'activité qui décrit le mieux votre entreprise ?

Autre : Space & Defence Industry

02.01.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Pas de pauvreté'

1 - pas du tout d'accord

02.01.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

02.02.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Faim Zéro'

2

02.02.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

02.03.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Bonne Santé et Bien Être'

1 - pas du tout d'accord

02.03.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

02.04.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Éducation de Qualité'

5

02.04.02 Justification de la contribution de ma 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 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Égalité entre les Sexes'

2

02.05.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

02.06.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Eau Propre et Assainissement'

3

02.06.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

02.07.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Énergie Propre et Abordable'

5

02.07.02 Justification de la contribution de ma 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 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Travail Décent et Croissance Économique'

5

02.08.02 Justification de la contribution de ma 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 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Industrie, Innovation et Infrastructure'

7 - tout à fait d'accord

02.09.02 Justification de la contribution de ma 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 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Réduction des Inégalités'

1 - pas du tout d'accord

02.10.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

02.11.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Villes et Communautés Durables'

2

02.11.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

02.12.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Consommation et Production Responsables'

1 - pas du tout d'accord

02.12.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

02.13.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Lutte contre les Changements Climatiques'

7 - tout à fait d'accord

02.13.02 Justification de la contribution de ma 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 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Vie Sous-Marine'

1 - pas du tout d'accord

02.14.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

02.15.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Vie Terrestre'

1 -pas du tout d'accord

02.15.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

02.16.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Paix, Justice et Institutions Efficaces'

1 - pas du tout d'accord

02.16.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

02.17.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Parteneriats pour la Réalisation des Objectifs'

3

02.17.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

06.01 Un grand nombre de clients utilisent déjà un produit/service très similaire au nôtre.

7 = Tout à fait d'accord

06.02 Notre produit/service représente un type de produit/service entièrement nouveau

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

06.03 Notre produit/service pourrait être décrit comme une nouvelle technologie

6

06.04 Notre produit/service est une amélioration d'un produit ou d'un service existant

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

06.05 Notre produit/service pourrait être décrit comme une extension d'une gamme de produits ou de services

6

06.06 Notre produit/service répond à une demande ou à un besoin qui n'a pas été satisfait par d'autres produits/services.

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

06.07 Notre produit/service est une nouvelle version d'un ancien produit/service

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

06.08 Justification

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 Analyse compétitive

• 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 Menez-vous des actions au sein de votre communauté pour promouvoir le rôle des femmes entrepreneurs ?