SGAC Argentina

National Points of Contact Argentina

Julio Aprea

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Argentina has a rich history of space exploration and international collaboration.  In the 1950s, there was Teofilo Tabanera and the development of propulsion rocketry.  In the 1960s, the National Commission on Space Research (CNIE) was created.  The progress has continued through to today with the development of new satellite technologies within the government and private sector, reinforcing that Argentina is indeed an actor in the international space community. Therefore, it’s important to bring new players, young and dedicated individuals to collaborate and develop new ties with the international community to participate and bring space closer to us. The Argentinean Space Agency (CONAE) and several other private organisations such as the AATE (Argentinean Association for Space Technology) are always interested in new projects and pushing forward the limits of science and technology. Young professionals and students are key participants in the future of Argentina’s space programme; the objective of SGAC is to bring them together to create a solid foundation for the development and exploration of space.

Young Space Activities Overview in Argentina

In addition to the activities planned by SGAC Argentina which are focused on extending the interest and information about space there are a few student programs in different universities, mentioned in the institutions section, that promoted several activities for the year 2011. In addition, the VI Argentinean Congress for Space Technology sponsored by the AATE, the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) and the Argentine Council on Aerospace Engineering was held in the province of San Luis between the 18th and 20th of May 2011. During this congress members of the aerospace community shared the latest news and results of their research with the international community, and it was a great platform to promote SGAC activities. This congress was the continuation of the congress of Space Technology held in 2009 in Mar del Plata.

Also, there are amateur rocketry activities held by the ACEMA, (Asociación de Cohetería Experimental y Modelista Argentina) which is one of the most important organizations of rocketry activities in Latin America, they sponsor competitions and activities for young students and professionals. ACEMA branches are located in different locations such as Buenos Aires, Rosario, Neuquen and Cordoba.

The National Aeronautics Library is an excellent place to gather information about space and aerospace activities in Argentina as they hold a number of interesting memorabilia of Argentina’s space history and host some talks throughout the year.  Additionally, they hold a vast amount of books and journals for research information and activities. The SGAC members will be able to participate in the development of the Pehuensat-2 educational satellite programme sponsored by the AATE and other institutions with the sole objective of supporting the space studies in Argentina.

On 22 June 2009, ESA informed Argentine authorities that an area 30 km south of the town of Malargüe in Mendoza province, about 1000 km west of Buenos Aires, has been chosen as the bes option to build a new 35-metre antenna in support of its programmes. The 600-tonne dish, located at -35° 46' 33.5", -69° 23' 53.7", will complete the 360-degree deep space coverage needed to ensure full telecommunications during mission-critical events and enhance the return of scientific data. The antenna will become operational from mid-2012 in support of scientific and exploration missions. More information can be obtained from here.

For those interested in the history of Argentina’s space activities, Pablo de León (a former Argentina’s SGAC NPOC) has released his new book titled “Historia de la Actividad Espacial en la Argentina” which covers space activities until the year 1980. The book can be purchased from here.

Recent Country Specific Events

Interesting Web Links for the Young Generation in Argentina

Groups, Institutions

Argentina Space Agency: http://www.conae.gov.ar
Argentina Space Technology Association: http://www.aate.org
El Leoncito Observatory Complex: http://www.casleo.gov.ar/
Pier Auger Observatory: http://www.auger.org/
Theoretical and Experimental Astronomy Institute: http://iate.oac.uncor.edu/drupal/
Space Physics and Astronomy Institute: http://www.iafe.uba.ar/
INVAP: http://www.invap.com.ar/
National Institute for Industrial Technology, Space and Aeronautics Centre: http://www.inti.gov.ar
National Library of Aeronautics: http://www.binae.org.ar/
Argentina Astronomy Association: http://www.astronomiaargentina.org.ar/
AMateur SATellite Corporation : http://www.amsat.org.ar/
Argentinean Astronautics Federation: http://federacionastronauticaargentina.org/
Experimental Rocketry association of Argentina: http://www.rocket.com.ar/
Argentina Mars Society: http://www.marssociety.com.ar/central.htm
Progama CanSat Argentina: http://www.cansat.com.ar/
Aeroespacio Magazine: http://www.aeroespacio.com.ar/
ARSAT http://www.arsat.com.ar/

Studies

National University of La Plata Astronomy: http://www.fcaglp.unlp.edu.ar/
National University of La Plata Aeronautics: http://www.ing.unlp.edu.ar/aeron/
National University of Comahue Space Group: http://investigadores.uncoma.edu.ar/AplicacionesEspaciales/index.htm
National Technological University of Haedo Aerospace Technology Group: http://www.frhutn.org/cms/index.php?seccion_generica_id=433
National Aeronautics Institute: http://www.iua.edu.ar/

Useful links

http://www.argentina.ar/_es/ciencia-y-educacion/C1477-argentina-en-el-espacio.php