For Prof Amare Abebe, director of the Centre for Space Research at North-West University, Africa’s space future is not only about satellites. Yet, according to North-West University (NWU) space scientist Prof Amare Abebe, part of the solution lies far above the Earth. His perspective comes at a time when African countries are investing more deliberately in space science and strengthening collaboration between governments, researchers and industry. For Prof Abebe, the purpose of space science is clear: it must serve society. Prof Abebe also emphasises that success will depend on collaboration.