MEXICO’S EXPANDING ROLE IN AEROSPACE

Mexico is solidifying its position as a key player in the global aerospace industry, a topic highlighted by UNAM President Leonardo Lomelí at the University Space Seminar, held at the Javier Barros Sierra Auditorium in the School of Engineering.

Bringing together students, researchers, and industry professionals, the seminar aimed to strengthen Mexico’s participation in the international space agenda and promote interdisciplinary collaboration.

Lomelí noted that in 2023, Mexico’s aerospace industry grew by more than 7%, driven by rising demand and the relocation of global companies. This expansion has turned Querétaro, Baja California, Sonora, Chihuahua, and Nuevo León into major aerospace hubs.

Today, Mexico hosts nearly 370 specialized aerospace plants, generating over 50,000 direct and 190,000 indirect jobs. Mexico, with record-breaking exports, is now the leading aerospace nation in Latin America.

Lomelí emphasized the importance of applied research and strong aerospace clusters in sustaining this growth. However, he warned that continued success depends on a highly skilled workforce—a challenge where academia plays a crucial role.

Soledad Funes Argüello, UNAM’s Coordinator of Scientific Research, also addressed the audience, noting that space is no longer just a realm of scientific discovery but a key driver of global development. Technologies like telecommunications, satellite navigation, and environmental monitoring now impact nearly every aspect of daily life.

The University Space Seminar is a platform that fosters reflection, collaboration, and innovation. It promotes interdisciplinary dialogue, examines the technological, social, and economic impacts of space exploration, and reinforces Mexico’s role in the global aerospace industry.