Mexico, an essential player in the aerospace industry
MEXICO - The aerospace industry in Mexico has shown sustained growth in recent years, positioning it as a new strategic sector for the country's development, said UNAM Rector Leonardo Lomelí Vanegas.
Inaugurating the University Space Seminar, in the Javier Barros Sierra Auditorium of the Faculty of Engineering, which was attended by engineering students interested in aerospace issues, the Rector said that this meeting, in addition to promoting interdisciplinary dialogue, aims to strengthen the participation of our nation in the space agenda at the international level.
Accompanied by the Undersecretary of Technology of the Ministry of Science, Humanities, Technology and Innovation, Juan Luis Díaz de León, the Rector explained that in 2023 this industry had an annual increase of just over 7%, stimulated by a growing demand for inputs and the relocation of companies to Mexico.
In addition, states such as Querétaro, Baja California, Sonora, Chihuahua and Nuevo León are poles of aerospace innovation and manufacturing. There are currently around 370 specialized plants in operation, generating more than 50,000 direct jobs and 190,000 indirect jobs. Exports have reached record figures, projecting the country as one of the most relevant in Latin America in the aerospace market.
“The emergence of aerospace clusters and the promotion of applied research position Mexico as an essential player in the industry. However, to maintain and increase this perspective, it is essential to train highly qualified professionals, a challenge in which academia plays a crucial role,” said Lomelí Vanegas.
The Rector recalled the solid tradition that the National University has in the study of space and astronomy. From the creation of the Department of Outer Space in 1962, through the launching of the UNAMSAT-B satellite in 1996, to the recent contribution in the Colmena Mission.
In addition, multiple academic programs and links with multilateral agencies have allowed the formation of generations of scientists who have strengthened the theory and technological development in the exploration of the cosmos.
“We reaffirm that the true engine of space research is human talent. This is the reason why our students are protagonists: in their hands is the power to transform knowledge into solutions, because we understand that the future is built on free thinking and creativity in the classroom and laboratories,” he added.
For her part, Soledad Funes Argüello, UNAM's Scientific Research Coordinator, said that space is no longer just a place for scientific exploration, but has become a strategic axis of global development. Today, practically all aspects of our daily life are driven by space technologies, telecommunications, satellite navigation, environmental monitoring and security, among others.
In this context, he said, the University Space Seminar arises as an extension of reflection, collaboration and innovation with the objective of promoting the generation of interdisciplinary knowledge, analyzing the technological, social, economic and cultural impact of space, and strengthening Mexico's participation in the global space agenda.
The universe poses new challenges and opportunities, he added. For example, the Moon could be a possible source of natural resources to supply the Earth. For this reason, the coordinator insisted that it is crucial for Mexico to strengthen its presence in the space field and take advantage of the knowledge already generated to integrate into the technological advances that are shaping the future.
