Elon Musk might be returning to his roots, but this time with rockets. Reports reveal that the South African-born billionaire is actively exploring a bold new move, launching SpaceX missions and Starlink satellites from South Africa. The site under consideration is the Denel Overberg Test Range, located near Arniston just outside Cape Town.
This location offers more than just nostalgia. Strategically placed for polar orbit launches, Overberg could be the perfect gateway to expand Starlink’s high-speed satellite internet across underserved regions of Africa and the Southern Hemisphere. If finalised, this would mark SpaceX’s first operational footprint on the African continent.
Musk’s vision of providing global internet access through Starlink could take a massive leap forward with this expansion. Many rural and remote areas in Africa still suffer from poor or zero connectivity. Starlink’s presence could completely transform access to education, healthcare, communication, and business opportunities for millions.
But this is not just about internet coverage. If the plan is approved, it would also bring new tech jobs, high-speed infrastructure, and foreign investment to South Africa. It could even place the country on the global map as a rising player in space exploration and satellite technology.
Critics are watching closely, curious about the long-term impact and how local communities will benefit. But for now, one thing is clear, Musk’s latest move could change both the digital future of Africa and the balance of power in global space launches.
Will South Africa become the next hotspot in the space race? The countdown may already be ticking.
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