The collaboration between NASA and the Peruvian Space Agency promises to revolutionize space research, highlighting the country's unique geographic location and its constantly developing infrastructure for high-level scientific missions.

NASA has established a pioneering agreement with the Peruvian Space Agency (CONIDA) for the launch of sounding rockets from Punta Lobos, in Pucusana. This event marks a turning point in space cooperation between both countries. According to Andina, the agreement was based on two main reasons: Peru’s favorable location on the magnetic equator and the important role of the Jicamarca Radio Observatory.

“Punta Lobos offers an ideal location for studies on space phenomena due to its position on the Earth’s magnetic equator,” reported the aforementioned media. Bill Nelson, NASA administrator, highlighted that Peru is a “place of celestial wonders” due to its ideal location for astronomical observations. This geographic phenomenon allows for the study of interactions between the Sun and the Earth’s magnetic field, which are key to better understanding our planetary environment. According to Jorge Samanez of CONIDA, “the magnetic equator creates a stream of energetic particles, generating certain disturbances.”

The site’s past also supports its choice. Reports explained that Punta Lobos has facilitated launches since 1974, including missions with NASA in 1975 and 1983. In addition, it has infrastructure that continues to improve, such as the manufacture of fuel (propellant) in its specialized laboratory and new launch platforms. Commander Roger Alonso Morales Cabrera added that this has allowed “paving the way for future campaigns such as CIELO 2028,” which could launch between 10 and 14 sounding rockets.

A central aspect of this collaboration is the boost to national research. Based on the medium, it is planned to include a payload developed entirely in Peru within one of NASA’s rockets, which will test Peru’s scientific and technological capacity. In addition, the Peruvian space agency seeks to involve the university community, with 14 groups from six national universities already identified to participate in space projects. “We are determined to promote science and technology from the Peruvian Space Agency,” stressed Roberto Melgar Sheen.

The Jicamarca Radio Observatory, a key facility for the global understanding of the equatorial ionosphere, is another asset highlighted by Andina. This observatory, composed of 18,432 dipole antennas, offers vast coverage that allows the analysis of the ionosphere from 60 to more than 1,000 kilometers high, thus complementing the information obtained by sounding rockets. This powerful scientific instrument was the second reason that convinced NASA scientists, adding significant value to bilateral cooperation. Source infobae.com