NASA, Peru plan collaborative sounding rocket study
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Nov 15, 2024

NASA and Peru's National Commission for Aerospace Research and Development (CONIDA) have taken steps toward initiating a possible long-term scientific rocket campaign in Peru.

The two organizations formalized their collaboration with a non-binding memorandum of understanding signed on Thursday. This agreement encompasses safety training, a joint feasibility assessment for the proposed campaign, and technical assistance to support CONIDA in launching sounding rockets. These small, cost-effective rockets are used for suborbital space missions to collect scientific data.

"We are excited to look at the possibility of once again launching sounding rockets from Peru," said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. "This agreement deepens our international partnership with Peru and the scientific research we conduct because of the country's location along the magnetic equator. Together we will go farther."

Representing Peru, Maj. Gen. Roberto Melgar Sheen, head of CONIDA, signed the agreement. The signing event included U.S. State Department assistant secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs, Brian Nichols, and U.S. ambassador to Peru, Stephanie Syptak-Ramnath, alongside other Peruvian officials. The announcement coincided with the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum week, which began on Nov. 9 in Lima.

Nelson's visit also highlighted the importance of global cooperation in space exploration and acknowledged Peru's commitment shown by joining the Artemis Accords earlier this year.

NASA's collaborative history with Peru dates back to sounding rocket campaigns conducted at CONIDA's Punta Lobos launch site in 1975 and 1983. Sounding rockets are vital for suborbital missions as they provide essential data on Earth's atmosphere, space weather, and potential tools for deeper space exploration.

Collecting data on Earth's atmosphere and solar interactions is essential to safeguarding critical ground and space infrastructure, from power grids and navigation systems to weather forecasting technologies.

Related Links
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