ROCKETING TO SUCCESS
Headquartered in South Africa, NewSpace Systems is a trusted multinational manufacturer of spacecraft components and subsystems. CEO, Tanya Lerm, updates us on the burgeoning African space industry and what the company has been up to since we last spoke
Writer: Ed Budds | Project Manager: Josh Whiteside
For companies like NewSpace Systems (NSS), it is an incredibly exciting time to be part of the African space industry.
The continent is undergoing a remarkable transformation, with momentum accelerating in both the public and private sectors.
“We’re seeing increasing investment and collaboration across African nations, with more countries launching their own space programmes or establishing national space agencies,” introduces CEO, Tanya Lerm.
“This translates into rising demand for locally developed space capabilities, which is exactly where NSS fits in,” she elaborates.
The company is witnessing a key trend in the growing emphasis on sovereignty in space technology. Indeed, there’s a strong drive amongst African governments to develop local capability, not only for economic reasons but also to ensure independent access to critical services like climate monitoring and disaster response, as well as communications infrastructure.
“A further milestone for the industry this year was the launch of the African Space Agency in April 2025, set to play a pivotal role in coordinating space activities across the continent, followed by the NewSpace Africa Conference in Cairo, which I had the privilege of attending.
“This growing institutional support fosters a dynamic environment for innovation, partnerships, and longterm impact,” Lerm impassions.
DEDICATED TO RELIABILITY
Today, NSS is uniquely positioned as a high-reliability manufacturer of satellite subsystems, capable of supporting both customised missions and large-scale constellation programmes.
“Being headquartered in South Africa allows us to deliver spacegrade quality at a significantly more
HOW DID YOU ARRIVE AT YOUR CURRENT ROLE AT NSS?
Tanya Lerm, CEO: “I studied engineering at university before beginning my career in manufacturing, working across a range of industries. Over time, I became increasingly drawn to environments where quality, precision, and reliability were nonnegotiable, naturally leading me towards the aerospace sector.
“My first exposure to the industry came at a company specialising in composite manufacturing, where we designed and produced components for airline seating. It was a fascinating space that combined complex engineering with the highest safety and performance standards.
“Nearly seven years ago, I met James Barrington-Brown, the Founder and Chairman of NSS, when the company was still in its start-up phase.
He had a bold vision to build a business that could serve not just the local or continental space sector but become a respected global player. His passion deeply resonated with me, and I joined as COO.
“In August 2024, I stepped into the role of CEO. Leading a fast-scaling company comes with immense opportunities and challenges. My focus has been on maintaining momentum whilst ensuring we grow sustainably and strategically. We’re doubling revenue annually, building a new state-of-the-art cleanroom facility, and scaling our team to position us for the next phase of our global journey.”
“I’VE STAYED IN AEROSPACE BECAUSE OF THE DISCIPLINE IT DEMANDS, THE GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE IT OFFERS, AND THE SENSE OF PURPOSE THAT COMES FROM CONTRIBUTING TO MISSIONS THAT QUITE LITERALLY REACH BEYOND OUR PLANET”
– TANYA LERM, CEO, NEWSPACE SYSTEMS
competitive price point than many international players, but what truly sets us apart is our customer-centric approach,” explains Lerm.
“We treat our clients as long-term partners, providing exceptional support throughout the mission lifecycle, from engineering collaboration to post-launch support,” she expands.
The company’s growing global presence – with offices in the US, UK, and New Zealand – also enables it to
support customers across time zones and regulatory environments, further reinforcing NSS’s commitment to accessibility and responsiveness.
For Lerm, the journey has been both challenging and deeply rewarding.
“Since joining the business, I’ve witnessed the company grow from a small team of 20 to nearly 160 employees, and we’re still expanding!
“I’ve stayed in aerospace because of the discipline it demands, the
global perspective it offers, and the sense of purpose that comes from contributing to missions that quite literally reach beyond our planet,” she enthuses.
STRATEGIC EXPANSION
2025 has been a pivotal year for NSS, marked by strategic clarity as the company prepares for the next growth phase.
“We are investing heavily in the future – not only in terms of our people but also the infrastructure, systems, and products that will enable us to scale sustainably and lead with impact,” Lerm excites.
One of the most significant projects currently underway is the construction of NSS’s new 1,270-square-metre, state-of-the-art cleanroom facility, which will see the company’s operational space grow to more than 5,000 sqm.
“This exciting expansion will dramatically increase our manufacturing capacity, allowing us to meet rising global demand whilst continuing to deliver high-reliability space technology.
“It’s not just a physical upgrade –it’s a strategic enabler that will mean we can take on larger, more complex projects and higher production volumes without compromising on quality,” she predicts.
The company plans to move into the facility before the end of the year.
EXCITING INNOVATION
On the product front, NSS is developing the next generation of its existing flight-proven product lines, including an even more efficient sun sensor, a radiation-hardened magnetometer, a new GPS receiver, and an expanded reaction wheel range.
These redesigned systems will retain their trusted heritage but are being enhanced for easier manufacturability and higher-volume production, enabling the company to meet customer needs more efficiently
“WE ARE INVESTING HEAVILY IN THE FUTURE – NOT ONLY IN TERMS OF OUR PEOPLE BUT ALSO THE INFRASTRUCTURE, SYSTEMS, AND PRODUCTS THAT WILL ENABLE US TO SCALE SUSTAINABLY AND LEAD WITH IMPACT”
– TANYA LERM, CEO, NEWSPACE SYSTEMS
without compromising performance.
“Parallel to this, we’re expanding into the space radio frequency communications domain, representing an exciting growth area for us.
“This diversification allows us to support the rising demand for in-orbit connectivity and opens new markets and partnership opportunities,” details Lerm.
“Internally, we are upgrading our IT and digital systems, enhancing data visibility, integration, and operational efficiency. These upgrades are essential foundations for scaling and managing increasing complexity across the organisation.”
Collectively, these projects reflect NSS’s commitment to continuous innovation, operational excellence, and long-term relevance in the global space industry.
TO INFINITY AND BEYOND
Future facing, NSS’s key priorities are focused on scaling operations in a way that ensures long-term success whilst preserving the innovation, quality, and agility that continue to define the company.
“One of our most immediate goals is ramping up production to meet the growing demand from new constellation contracts,” Lerm sets out.
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INSPIRING WOMEN IN SPACE
One aspect Lerm is keen to highlight is her role as a female CEO in an industry that has traditionally been largely male-dominated.
“The space industry is evolving rapidly, yet leadership positions, especially at the top, are still predominantly held by men. Being in this position is not just about leading a growing company – it’s also about challenging the norm and inspiring more women to take on leadership roles in technology and space.
“I believe that diversity – whether in gender, background, or perspective –is a catalyst for innovation. The more varied voices we have in decision-making and leadership, the stronger and more
dynamic our companies and industries become.
“Whilst the numbers are still low, it’s encouraging to see a gradual shift in the corporate world. As of 2025, there are 31 female CEOs leading S&P 500 companies, a sign that the corporate landscape is slowly becoming more inclusive.
“We’re not there yet, but I see my role as an opportunity to pave the way for more women to step into leadership positions within the space industry and beyond.
“I hope my journey will inspire other women to consider top roles in typically underrepresented sectors, showing that leadership is about skill, vision, and determination, not gender.”
- Tanya Lerm, CEO
This includes completing a facility expansion – most notably NSS’s new cleanroom, alongside optimising internal systems to support higher-volume, high-reliability manufacturing.
“We’re also strengthening our international footprint by deepening our presence in strategic markets such as Europe and Asia. Expanding our global partnerships will be key to unlocking new opportunities and serving customers in regions with strong growth potential,” she adds.
On the technology front, NSS is continuing to push the boundaries with its next generation of intelligent subsystems, introducing features like built-in diagnostics and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven capabilities to meet the evolving demands of the space sector.
Alongside this, the company is exploring complementary technologies that will allow it to diversify and stay ahead in an increasingly competitive landscape.
“Investing in our people remains a top priority. We’re focused on expanding our talent and leadership pipeline, developing skills at all levels, and growing our internship programme to build a strong foundation for the future.”
For NSS, maintaining its culture of excellence, efficient collaboration, and high performance will undoubtedly prove to be essential.
“Ultimately, our aim is smart, sustainable growth, achieved by balancing operational excellence, global expansion, and continuous innovation to ensure we remain a trusted leader in delivering cutting-edge space technology to a connected and informed world,” Lerm finishes proudly.
Tel: +27 21 300 0160 www.newspacesystems.com
