The entire world followed the journey of astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen around the Moon for 10 days, as part of the mission Artemis II which began with a spectacular takeoff at Cape Canaveral (Florida) broadcast on television, social networks, and streaming platforms. This event, which has not been repeated for about 50 years, could take place in Talara, in Peru.

Another aspect is economic. And here there is a big difference compared to the space race of the last century. “Today, the participation of corporations such as SpaceX and Blue Origin stands out, who are part of the new lunar landing architecture of the Artemis program,” explains Chon.

Thus, a spaceport can be attractive to new industries.

“We are talking about private companies and public-private associations that are actively involved in this. Investment that could reach Peru or, in some way, reactivate the existing peripheral industry to be able to contribute”indicated the UTEC professor.

On the one hand, the development of materials, fuel exploitation, rocketry work, physical preparation for missions, as well as communications are required.

It is worth noting that the recent mission Artemis II was developed by the NASAbut it involved the work of private companies such as Boeing, Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin. According to El Economista, the trip to the Moon cost 93 billion dollars.

Urgent changes

Law No. 32571 indicates that the Ministry of Defense is the sector in charge of coordinating “the different actions for the implementation” of the norm that it declares to be of public interest.

But to launch this Peruvian space project, changes are required, and for Professor Gálvez this must go through education.

“We need, from the point of view of education, to start generating professionals who have, I would say, much more field work, much more creative, more focused on technological development and not so much on desktop engineering, but much more focused on design, manufacturing, and I would say a much more scientific approach”he explained.

Part of that change is the Physics Program promoted by UTEC.

In that sense, he also considered it important to understand at a social level the importance of work in aeronautics, civil engineering, mechanics, mechatronics, which can involve Peruvians.

“If we have qualified Peruvian personnel who get involved, it will really be a success. And I believe that from Peru we are beginning to have the capacity to do these things.”said the specialist. In this line, the role of the National Commission for Aerospace Research and Development (Conida) stood out.

It is worth remembering that in 2024 Peru and the United States signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding that included technical assistance for Conida in launching sounding rockets. At that time, the collaboration between both countries during the launch campaigns of 1975 and 1983 was remembered.

That is to say, space exploration is not something new in Peru, and perhaps we could soon try to get closer.