Dr. Carla Mitchell

Founding Director

Dr Carla (Sharpe) Mitchell has an executive MBA from the International Space University and a PhD in Economics and Space Studies from the University of Cape Town. In 2009, Carla founded the Foundation for Space Development Africa, where she is a Director. In addition, she is the Mission Director of the organisation’s Africa2Moon science payload, selected for launch to the Moon in 2029. Carla also founded the South African Space Association as well as Women in Aerospace Africa. Carla is the African Programme Manager for the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory, that is driving Africa’s largest Science undertaking, the Square Kilometre Array Telescope. She is passionate about space and her motivation is to positively impact lives in Africa through space technology.