Toward a Mexican Space Policy

In this article Fermín Romero Vázquez reflects on the importance of drawing up a space policy that would position Mexico as a major player on the international space agenda in the medium to long term, with all the benefits this would entail for Mexican society. This year, the space issue features strongly on the domestic agenda, mainly because of the creation of the Mexican Space Agency (AEXA) and the hosting of the VI Americas Space Conference by Pachuca (November 15-19, 2010). This conference will afford Mexico the opportunity to assume the Pro Tempore Secretariat, draw up a policy for the aerospace sector, and possibly spearhead the region’s space agenda. After making an in-depth assessment of Mexico’s performance in terms of both its domestic space agenda and the international one, Romero Vázquez offers some suggestions as to how to bring the sector up to speed technologically. This, he says, would require greater coordination of the activities of the aeronautical, aerospace, telecommunications and it sectors, which are currently dispersed throughout various levels of government, academic and research institutions, and the private sector. And while Mexico is still a long way from wielding influence on the international arena, its fledgling space industry has made some noteworthy advances. In the medium term and with sufficient government backing, Romero Vázquez believes the industry has the potential to become a launch platform for the much-needed development of our country.