Mexico, Argentina to Create Space Agency

The collaborative effort between both countries in developing ALCE aims to be the first step in the generation of alliances to share technology, science and knowledge to strengthen the region’s capabilities in this field, while simultaneously promoting integration among countries in the region.

Mexico’s Minister of Foreign Relations Marcelo Ebrard and Argentinian Chancellor Felipe Carlos Solá signed on Friday, Oct. 9, a declaration that would set the next steps for collaboration on space matters across the region. The signing was scheduled as part of both countries’ celebration of World Space Week, an event held every year between Oct. 4 and 10 to highlight the role of space science and technology in the improvement of human lives. During the event, Ebrard stated that Mexico firmly believes that the exchange of knowledge and the generation of capabilities in science and technology are fundamental for economic development. Solá also highlighted the importance of space in a country’s development and pointed out that Argentina has been pushing for the creation of a regional cooperation mechanism that would improve the use of resources to tackle local projects. While only Mexico and Argentina signed the collaboration, participants highlighted that this is only the first step in promoting cooperation among the many countries in the region. The virtual event also counted with the participation from the deans of UNAM and Universidad Nacional de Colombia.

Both countries have been highly active in the generation of alliances with national and international institutions to strengthen their capabilities in space science and technology. In Mexico space matters are led by the Mexican Space Agency, a decentralized organization created in 2010 that has led numerous projects to coordinate the efforts of public and private entities to use space technology to improve citizen’s lives. These efforts range from the development of fully Mexican satellites to the use of space technology to support the fight against COVID-19. Argentina’s National Commission of Space Activities (CONAE) performs a similar role in coordinating, managing and promoting space matters in accordance to the southern country’s National Space Plan. Argentina currently has four satellites and is currently developing a satellite launcher, among other projects.

During the event, representatives of Mexico and Argentina stated that they would work to convince other nations to adhere to the newly signed declaration to continue building the regional space agency.