Juárez Engineer Plans Latin America’s Largest Planetarium

An engineer from Ciudad Juárez, currently working at NASA, is leading an ambitious project to build the largest planetarium in Latin America, aiming to bring space science closer to younger generations and reshape the region’s technological profile.

The initiative is driven by Miguel Ángel Castillo, who envisions the project as both an educational and economic development platform. His goal is to spark interest in space among elementary school students and, over time, help position the city as a relevant hub in the aerospace industry.

The proposal includes the construction of a large-scale, state-of-the-art planetarium designed to rival major facilities such as those in Alamogordo. An earlier idea to repurpose a well-known local structure was ultimately ruled out due to size and infrastructure limitations, prompting plans for a more expansive and modern development.

Beyond education, the project also aims to boost scientific tourism in the region, drawing inspiration from successful planetariums that attract millions of visitors and serve as centers for technological outreach.

Initial steps include organizing conferences, outreach programs, and community activities to build public interest and institutional support. The broader objective is to create an infrastructure that not only inspires scientific careers but also drives innovation and economic growth along Mexico’s northern border.

If realized, the project could help Ciudad Juárez transition further into a knowledge-based economy, leveraging local talent and its proximity to the United States to strengthen its role in the aerospace sector.