UPAEP Prepares Aerospace Talent for Mexico and NASA Projects

The Universidad Popular Autónoma del Estado de Puebla (UPAEP) is expanding its academic and research programs to boost Mexico’s role in the expanding aerospace industry. Héctor Simón Vargas Martínez, UPAEP researcher and scientific director of the university’s aerospace initiatives, highlighted that the institution is training specialized professionals to support the national sector and participate in international projects such as NASA’s Artemis program.

“Mexico’s aerospace industry is growing rapidly, with five active clusters across the country,” Vargas said in an interview with A21. “Our focus is on developing the human talent the industry needs, while also advancing technologies like rover design for planetary exploration.”

The Mexican Space Agency (AEM) has joined NASA’s Artemis program, aimed at establishing a lunar base as a precursor to future Mars exploration. Vargas explained that robotic systems, including rovers and drones, will be essential in building habitats on the Moon using local materials. “NASA is encouraging young people to engage in these projects that will enable humans to return to the Moon and eventually establish a permanent presence,” he said.

Other institutions, such as UNAM and IPN, are also contributing to Artemis initiatives. “Within two to four years, Mexican projects could be on the Moon — not just observing, but actively participating,” Vargas noted.

He underscored the importance of government-industry collaboration and technology transfer. “The government must insist on real technology transfer from major corporations,” he said, citing China’s success in leveraging mandatory technology sharing to move from manufacturing to advanced technological development.