Historic and lesser-known planetarium in Cape Town set to be restored
Inside the South African Air Force (SAAF) Museum at Air Force Base (AFB) Ysterplaat in Cape Town is one of South Africa’s lesser-known planetariums – and…
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Inside the South African Air Force (SAAF) Museum at Air Force Base (AFB) Ysterplaat in Cape Town is one of South Africa’s lesser-known planetariums – and plans are now underway to bring it back to life.
Dubbed Project Stargaze, the initiative aims to replace the facility’s ageing 1956 Spitz Model A-2 star projector with a modern digital projection system.
The goal is to transform the historic dome into a contemporary astronomy and science education centre while preserving its heritage.
The restoration project was officially launched this week during an event attended by Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport Ricardo Mackenzie, City of Cape Town Safety and Security Portfolio Committee Chairperson Mzwakhe Nqavashe, members of the Aeronautical Society of South Africa and invited guests.
Historic planetarium set for modern makeover
Although smaller than South Africa’s other public planetariums, the Ysterplaat facility has a long history.
Its original Spitz Model A-2 projector was designed by American inventor Armand Spitz as an affordable system for schools, universities and military institutions.
The projector was first acquired by the South African Naval College before moving to 80 Air Navigation School in 1982, where it was used to train navigators in celestial navigation.
It was later transferred to the SAAF Museum, introducing thousands of visitors to astronomy over the years.
Now, after decades of service, the projector has reached the end of its working life.
“The SAAF Planetarium is more than just a dome of stars,” said Lieutenant Colonel James du Toit, Officer in Charge of the SAAF Museum at AFB Ysterplaat.
“It is a gateway to learning, curiosity and exploration.”
He emphasised how the upgraded facility would give young South Africans “a unique opportunity to engage with science, astronomy and the wonders of flight.”
The catch? SAAF’s Project Stargaze needs funding
The museum has already made progress through volunteer efforts, including repainting the dome and installing dimmable LED horizon lighting.
Project manager Major Marcel Bester said around R360 000 is still needed to complete the refurbishment.
The funding would pay for a high-luminosity Epson projector, specialised fisheye lens, surround-sound system, acoustic treatment, dehumidifier, control system and new seating.
“We really want to turn our planetarium into a world-class facility,” Bester said.
If funding is secured soon, he believes the refurbishment could be completed within two months.
While modest admission fees could be introduced in future to help cover operating costs at the Ysterplaat planetarium, Bester said education would remain the project’s primary focus.
“The goal is to impart knowledge, not to make money,” he added. “I’d rather not charge anything and have people walk away with a wealth of knowledge.”
Mackenzie welcomed the initiative after visiting the museum for the first time, saying the attraction deserves far greater publ…