Mexico City, November 9, 2022.- In order to join efforts in space research in Mexico and support the Aztechsat project of the Faculty of Engineering of the Universidad Panamericana, our university signed a collaboration agreement with the Mexican Space Agency (AEM).
The event was attended by Dr. Alejandro Ordóñez Torres, director of the School of Engineering; Dr. Margarita Hurtado, deputy director of the School of Engineering; Eng. María Josefa Padilla Monroy, secretary of Relations and Mr. Ángel García Hernández, director of the Colibrí Mission Space Laboratory.
The AEM was represented by Dr. Salvador Landeros Ayala, Director General; Ms. Rosa María del Refugio Ramírez de Arellano y Aaron, Coordinator of International Affairs and Security; and Dr. Adán Salazar Garibay, General Coordinator of Scientific Research and Technological Space Development.
Héctor Daniel Ortega Maciel, General Coordinator of Financing and Information Technologies; Francisco Romero Aguilar, Director of Space Science Research; Francisco López Cardiel, Director of Administration; Christian Torres, Director of Legal Affairs; and Mario Arreola Santander, Director of Outreach . Francisco López Cardiel, Director of Administration; Mr. Christian Torres, Director of Legal Affairs and Mr. Mario Arreola Santander, Director of Outreach, each also from the AEM.
State-of-the-art agreement
Dr. Ordoñez commented: " Universidad Panamericana has always been very interested in participating in cutting-edge technology, in developing applied science and applied knowledge . What we are seeing right now is that space is an important market and that it is going to become even more valuable for both the private sector and governments.
He also indicated that it is important for our university to be at the forefront in terms of how to deal with technology problems in space, as well as space, sea and Earth exploration.
He also emphasized that the agreement signed between the Pan American and the AEM "is our grain of sand to help humanity to follow the path we have towards a future full of challenges and challenges".
On his part, Mr. Garcia Hernandez mentioned: " Universidad Panamericana has the vision to create complex high-tech projects and work closely with the Mexican Space Agency (...)".
"We have the work plan in place to be able to carry out the projects that we are signing and it is definitely going to be a very long experience and one and a very close path with you to be able to work together and carry all the vision and mission objectives that the country has in space," he added.
Vision for the future
In his message, Dr. Landeros said: "We are very pleased that Universidad Panamericana is taking on the vision of the future that has always characterized it. We know its professors and researchers, the students, and we know of their unity, their capacity and commitment to make this project a success. This alliance will not only be for the benefit of the country, but this project will also be for the benefit of humanity.
He also pointed out that NASA invited Mexico to join the Artemis program (for the return of human beings to the Moon and Mars) and it is undoubtedly a great opportunity for "the Mexican Space Agency to continue collaborating with its future projects with universities as prestigious as Panamericana".
He emphasized: "Today we have a great opportunity, because space has a multiplier effect, a chain reaction for everything that is produced for space in the industry, in the companies, because jobs and new technologies are created; in the universities that participate with the training of talent; in the government itself".
Ortega took the opportunity to congratulate Panamericana: "(...) the future is defined by the courage with which one acts, looks to the future and decides to do something".
"That road to the future is paved by actions such as the one you are taking today to join a program that will be of great benefit to your own students, your university and, as Dr. Landeros mentioned, to the country. If we want it to be so, it will be so. Congratulations on your courage," he said.
About Aztechsat
The Aztechsat project contemplates the design, construction, testing, launch and operation of a nanosatellite of the constellation of the same name, with the mission of monitoring marine animals on the ocean surface. Through this alliance, the AEM will support Panamericana in the delivery of certified flight units for a nanosatellite.
For its part, Panamericana will coordinate with AEM and NASA personnel to develop the Aztechsat project, in accordance with the space systems engineering methodology established by NASA.
The agreements
The agreement will allow both institutions to develop the following agreements:
- Scientific research, technological development and engineering projects.
- Evaluation of technologies and techniques related to the areas of interest and mutual advice.
- Education, training and exchange of human resources, evaluation of technologies and techniques related to the areas of interest.
- Identification, concentration and dissemination of technical and general interest information.
- Actions leading to technology transfer.
- Promote the dissemination of space activities, publicize their importance for Mexican society and encourage their incorporation as part of its culture.
- Promote the exchange of students, professors, researchers and specialists with national and international institutions.
- Academic exchange that may promote the development of programs with the participation of researchers, technicians and students from Panamericana, as well as AEM personnel, as well as participation in seminars, conferences, refresher courses and diploma courses.