The sounding rockets will be launched from Pucusana in 2028: everything about the historic cooperation between NASA and the Peruvian Space Agency

At this site south of Lima, to which we went by helicopter from the Las Palmas Air Base (Surco), rockets had already been sent and this type of studies had been carried out in 1975 and 1983, also in joint work with the NASA. It has a strategic location for space research, as explained to us from Conida.

Now, with the help of NASA Once again, the development of advanced space technologies is expected for Peru to gain prominence in the field of astronomical research and the development of national rockets, as explained to this newspaper by the institutional head, Major General FAP Roberto Melgar Sheen, who signed the MoU together with the head of NASA administration, Bill Nelson.

In other words, this connection marks the beginning of a new era of collaboration in the exploration of near space and will contribute to strengthening the scientific and technological capabilities of our country.

Magnetic field

The Punta Lobos scientific base is an ideal site to carry out these studies of astrophysical phenomena, due to its unique geographical conditions. Precisely, the location close to the magnetic equator makes this area a privileged place for research related to the upper atmosphere and solar activity.

Jorge Samanes, director of Astronomy and Space Sciences, explained to The Commerce that the NASA chose Peru to carry out the “Cielo” campaign because “at this time the magnetic equator passes through our country and the geophysical conditions make it an ideal place to have a sounding rocket launch campaign of that magnitude.”

The magnetic equator is not aligned with the geographic equator: it has an inclination of 11 degrees. Therefore, the magnetic field, which is the protective layer of planet Earth with respect to all the phenomena that could come, of solar or extrasolar origin, protects life as we know it. Without this, there would be no life as we know it.

“Scientifically, it is important to know what the response of our magnetic field is to intense events that can come from outer space,” said the director.

A multi-year campaign to launch sounding rockets from Peru will be carried out through joint feasibility studies, technical exchanges and joint scientific research, safety training and technical assistance for the Peruvian Space Agency in launches.

There will be between 10 to 14 rockets that will reach between 400 and 600 km in height and will be launched in 2028 from the Punta Lobos Scientific Base in Pucusana.

national rocketry

In the scope of our scientific development, the Paulet program allowed Conida developed the national rocketry since 2004 and launched the first model, Paulet I, in December 2006. Then, the Pautet 1-M was shipped in September 2009. These had the particularity that the propellant, a solid compound that is consumed during combustion in short times, was of foreign origin.

However, later shipments of the work of engineers Conida.

According to FAP Commander Alonso Morales, director of Space Technology, it is expected that in 2025 the Paulet ID rocket will be launched at a height of 40 km. The most ambitious plans come with the help of NASA: they want to reach 80 km in height with Paulet IE in 2025 and 120 km with Paulet IF in 2030.

It is extremely likely that the scientific studies developed in our country will generate opportunities for the training of professionals and experts in the field of space science and technology. According to Conidauniversity students will be called to be part of the various projects with the NASA that are coming.

If the plans are carried out normally, Peru will be better positioned to face the scientific and technological challenges of the future, contributing to the understanding of astrophysical phenomena and space exploration.

The agreement, in turn, opens the door to new opportunities for Peru’s participation in international scientific missions, expanding its influence in the global field of space science. General Melgar himself asked the NASA that Peruvian scientists participate in the research.

The result of this campaign with the NASA It could bring several benefits to the country. For example, that we have the capacity to generate more science and new space technology both for Peru and for the world scientific community.