First steps to establish an Small Satellite Program in Peru

Abstract

In the past years a couple of developing countries did manage to establish and develop satellite programs in their countries. Now it is the time for Perú in South America to do the same. The aim of this paper is to inform the space community on the first steps and achievements carried out by some Peruvian institutions and individuals to strengthen a national aerospace program. This challenging endeavor will be carried out with the involvement and in collaboration of governmental, research and educational institutions in Peru. Since the last two years, the efforts of Peruvian engineers and academic personal have been centralized in the development of a small satellite program with emphasis on the definition of mission planning and mission design. The Peruvian government is currently working on the further maturity of the aerospace area in the country. The National Commission of Investigation and Aerospace Development of Peru (CONIDA) and the Department of Defense support such challenging and promising plan. A first step has been achieved establishing the National Center for Satellite Imagery Operations (CNOIS). The objective and purposes of CNOIS is to promote the technological and scientific development of the country in the remote sensing area. This paper will describe the, until now, achieved tasks by Peruvian individuals and institutions by setting up a plan for accomplishing this challenging endeavour. The progress of our society and country can be ensured developing the space technology. It will give us the great opportunity to perform space science and space exploration.