Space Launch is happening in Africa, fast. These innovators are building rockets, testing engines, and creating the infrastructure to send satellites into orbit. They’re turning vision into action and putting the continent on the map.
— Professor Michael Brooks (South Africa): A central figure in the SAFFIRE program, Brooks is leading the development of South Africa’s two-stage Commercial Launch Vehicle, driving propulsion research that strengthens Africa’s path toward indigenous orbital launch systems.
— Frederik de Ridder (South Africa): As CEO of Mura Space, de Ridder is transforming the Overberg Test Range into a commercial suborbital hub, enabling real-world launch testing and creating one of Africa’s most important private-sector launch infrastructures.
— Nino Wunderlin (South Africa): A propulsion innovator engineering 3D-printed combustion chambers for SAFFIRE engines, Wunderlin is helping reduce manufacturing costs and accelerate rocket-system development through advanced materials engineering.
— James Barrington-Brown (South Africa): Through Petrawell, in partnership with Mura Space, Barrington-Brown is pioneering lightweight composite technologies critical for next-generation African launch vehicles and structural rocket components.
— Dr. Jean de Dieu Rurangwa (Rwanda): A leading voice in Rwanda’s satellite and launch strategy ecosystem, Rurangwa drives national partnerships and private-sector growth in launch-related capabilities, strengthening Africa’s participation in future orbital deployment systems.
These entrepreneurs are building Africa’s launch future, one rocket at a time.
Selection focused on Africans leading the development of launch services, including engines, infrastructure, and orbital capabilities. All are active in 2025, verified through credible space-industry sources.
Image Credit: EXOLAUNCH GmbH
