This article is adapted from AQ’s special report
Latin America has long been known for its natural resources: abundant energy supply, minerals, agriculture and more. Until recently though, few people recognized it had the resources to become relevant in the space sector, too.
Indeed, strategic locations near the equator, and clear skies especially in the Southern Cone, make much of the region ideal for satellite launches and ground observatories and data centers. Ecuador, Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Peru, and the Dominican Republic are among the countries with big opportunities in front of them.
It’s not just about geography, of course. Latin America has entrepreneurs such as Marcos Galperin and Martín Migoya who have created world class companies, provided hope and seeded an ecosystem that supports and encourages the creation of other new businesses. That innovative spirit has supported the creation of companies including Satellogic in Argentina and Visiona Tecnologia Espacial in Brazil.
There is a certain amount of “space fever” throughout the globe at the moment, especially in the wake of Elon Musk’s successful stock offering for SpaceX. The question is whether Latin America can take full advantage.
Over the almost 50 years that I have worked with the region I have witnessed boom to bust multiple times. The region has seized some opportunities and missed others. In the case of space, it seems that the private sector cannot go it alone—governments will need to provide the regulatory framework, infrastructure and sometimes the capital necessary for success. Policy continuity across successive governments, even those of differing ideology, will also be key as always.
If Latin America can succeed this time, it will clearly place them at the center of a booming and future global industry. So space is the last and possibly the best frontier for Latin America!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Susan Segal
Reading Time: 2 minutesSegal is President and CEO of Americas Society and Council of the Americas.
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