IAC 2016, a turning point for Mexico for its dream to reach space.

Paper number

IAC-18,E5,5,6,x48202

Author

Mr. Luis Ángel Castellanos Velasco, Mexico, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México

Year

2018

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to analyze the social and cultural impact that has resulted from the 2016 International Astronautical Conference (IAC-2016) in Mexico. Over the course of almost two years, the number of young societies and their members has increased, as well has the number of national participants in activities such as Analogue Missions, academic stays at the International Space University and robotics competitions summoned by Space Agencies. \par
The media have been sensitized and put in the spotlight young people participating in space projects, a University Space Program was established in the largest and most important university in the country. Moreover,  budgets, national and private, have also been approved for support scientific research and, above all, dissemination in space issues. An international collaboration network was also formed where experts in the area are advising and serving as mentors to students of different levels to carry out their projects, giving them both national and international projection.\par
For years, the interest in making a career in the space area in Mexico meant having to migrate, and currently the possibilities are opening for young people from secondary school to have access to education related to the field and for professionals to find an opportunity to develop in the public sector such as the Mexican Space Agency and some universities through its research centers or the private sector.\par
Making an in-depth analysis, it is evident the importance of congresses like the IAC to increase the participation of the countries of emerging economies in space issues and generate a beneficial change in society and in the formation of young people passionate about space, being the author of this paper one of them.

Abstract document

IAC-18,E5,5,6,x48202.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-18,E5,5,6,x48202.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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