AIQ viable to become Mexico’s first spaceport

Queretaro International Airport (AIQ) is moving toward obtaining its certification as a spaceport through a preliminary technical analysis. This project aims to position the state as the first location in Mexico from which spacecraft bound for space will operate.

Governor Mauricio Kuri Gonzalez emphasized that the state has the right conditions for this project, noting, “The fact that we are home to the space agency for Latin America, Central America, and the Caribbean also gives us an added advantage in establishing a launch site for spacecraft bound for space.”

Marco del Prete Tercero, head of the Secretariat of Sustainable Development (SEDESU), explained, “Yes, it is a preliminary analysis; it is a preliminary assessment of the airport to determine its eligibility for certification. We are currently monitoring this analysis, which involves several studies.”

He explained that the evaluation considers not only the airport’s infrastructure but also environmental conditions, and that certification will depend not on NASA but on the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The official noted that this process will involve possible modifications, such as infrastructure for fuel storage and the handling of specialized aircraft, which are necessary for horizontal takeoff operations.

He also emphasized that a previous assessment has already determined the project to be viable; therefore, once the studies are completed, the information will be sent to the FAA to continue with the formal certification process.