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Peru and U.S. highlight strengthening of aerospace cooperation

Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Peru

Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Peru

09:39 | Lima, Nov. 15.

The Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the U.S. State Department emphasized the agreement reached between both nations, which lays the groundwork for exploring opportunities in cooperation for the development of science, technology, and research in outer space. This initiative serves as a cornerstone of their strategic partnership.

This announcement was made through a joint statement released by the Peruvian Ministry via social media.

"During APEC, the NASA Administrator and the head of the National Commission for Aerospace Research and Development (CONIDA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding, establishing the foundation for a multi-year campaign to launch sounding rockets from Peru, potentially including technical exchanges and joint scientific research," the document stated.

It further specified that the United States and Peru look forward to "collaborating in responsible and sustainable space exploration, aligned with the principles of the Artemis Accords."

"The United States welcomes the Republic of Peru's interest in hosting a future workshop on the Artemis Accords," it added.

It is stated in the document that both countries share the belief that "space presents yet another opportunity to strengthen their bilateral relationship in the fields of research, science, and technology."

Furthermore, it explained that Peru and the United States maintain a strategic partnership founded on shared values and principles, "with a rich and diverse bilateral agenda."

"Within this agenda, space stands out as a key area for dialogue and cooperation. Both countries aim to promote the peaceful use of space and leverage it to contribute to the development of their nations and all of humanity," the document stated.

"We share a long history of space cooperation. Significant milestones include the construction of the Jicamarca Radio Observatory in 1960 by the U.S. National Bureau of Standards and the successful scientific rocket launch campaigns from Punta Lobos between 1975 and 1983. These activities led to tangible scientific and technical advancements," it added.

The communiqué also noted that, over the past year, both countries "have reached historic levels of cooperation in the space sector."

"The United States looks forward to delivering a high-power telescope to Peru next year, and is exploring the possibility of hosting a Peruvian liaison officer at the U.S. Space Command," it specified.

Moreover, the document stated that Peru signed a Space Situational Awareness Agreement with the U.S. Space Command.

"Additionally, the United States invited an American astronaut to visit Peru to foster interest in space exploration and organized a visit for 10 Peruvian students to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in Washington, D.C.," the communiqué highlighted.

Moreover, it asserted that Peru agreed with the United States in committing to "not conduct direct-ascent anti-satellite missile tests," aligning itself with 36 other nations in promoting rules, norms, and principles of responsible behavior aimed at the long-term preservation of the outer space environment.

(END) JCC/JCR/MAT/MVB

Published: 11/15/2024