UNAM Conquers Latin American Space Challenge

Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) ranked second in the Latin American Space Challenge, held in Brazil, and continues to gain recognition as a well-prepared university regarding aerospace and space projects. 

UNAM Propulsion won second best place in its category and was recognized by Mexico’s Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Transport (SICT). “Talent like this puts the name of Mexico very high,” said Salvador Landeros Ayala, Minister of Infrastructure. In a meeting in Brazil, the ministry also reviewed issues regarding the training of human talent in institutional and regulatory instances for experimental rocketry, with the objective of stimulating and taking advantage of Mexican talent.

Landeros highlighted that the team’s achievement was a point of pride for Mexico. “It fills us with pride to know that the young talent of Mexico continues to put the name of our country very high wherever it goes, and, now in Brazil, this group of talented individuals has given us the example that, with study and dedication, it is possible to reach greater and greater goals,” said Landeros via a press release. 

Students also recognized the support of the Mexican Space Agency (AEM). Omar Córdova Carbajal, Leader and Founder, UNAM Propulsion, and a mechatronics engineering student, said that AEM’s support was vital to the team’s second-place finish. AEM linked team members with other actors, while paving the way for experimental rocketry teams in Mexico. 

The team also highlighted that AEM helped four members with special courses on ANSYS Fluent and mechanical structural analysis software, which turned out to be extremely valuable tools in tackling complex structural engineering problems that surged throughout the project. Alberto Lepe Zúñiga, General Coordinator of Commercial Industrial Development and Competitiveness Space Sector, AEM, extended the team an invitation to participate at the FAMEX 2023 Mexico Aerospace Fair in the space pavilion.