Katya Echazarreta Urges Mexico to Join Private “New Space”

Katya Echazarreta, the first Mexican woman to travel to space aboard Blue Origin, is advocating for new space industry regulations in Mexico to tap into the emerging “New Space” economy. This private-sector-driven model contrasts with the traditional “Old Space” approach, historically dominated by government agencies. Echazarreta told Forbes that Mexico has a unique opportunity to enter this growing sector by updating its regulatory framework, which is currently inadequate for commercial space activities.

She explained that under the previous model, Mexico faced limited options: either develop space technology from scratch, which is costly, or negotiate with established government agencies such as NASA or ESA. “In many cases, they don’t prioritize you unless you have the resources,” she said, citing historical challenges in international collaboration. The “New Space” model, driven by companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Virgin Galactic, seeks to accelerate innovation, reduce costs, and expand access to space.

Echazarreta stressed the urgency of passing the pending space reform in the Mexican Senate. “We are seeking to regulate the aerospace industry in Mexico. We cannot launch rockets from our own country due to lack of regulation,” she stated. She noted that while other nations regulate space activities on their soil, Mexico has yet to establish protections for its territory, including environmental safeguards and launch zones. Recent rocket launches by Elon Musk’s SpaceX near the Tamaulipas border have raised safety and environmental concerns, including a June 18 explosion that prompted the Mexican government to prepare a lawsuit.

She also highlighted the need to clarify Mexico-US collaboration, especially given the border’s growing strategic importance for aerospace activities. Without proper regulation, Mexico risks being exploited despite its potential. “When we do not recognize our own value, it is easy for others to take advantage of our resources,” Echazarreta warned.

The proposed regulatory framework aims not only to enable domestic launches but also to diversify the aerospace industry, which currently resembles the manufacturing-heavy automotive sector. Echazarreta also referenced Mexico’s ongoing plan to lead Latin America’s first space mission, scheduled for 2027 under the leadership of President Claudia Sheinbaum.