The federal government plans to approve the Outer Space Law, execute a space mission, and launch a new “geostationary” satellite as part of its goals.
President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration prioritizes the aerospace industry and sets ambitious goals for 2030. These include approving the Outer Space Law by 2025, undertaking the first 100% Latin American space mission in 2027, and launching a new “geostationary” satellite in 2028.
On Monday, while presenting the “Plan Mexico,” a portfolio of national and foreign investments amounting to $277 billion, the president also announced the goal of positioning Mexico’s aerospace industry among the top 10 countries globally in aerospace production value.
“Of course, the proposals are viable, and naturally, they come with challenges, right? One of the most important challenges is funding and investment to make this possible,” stated Luis Lizcano, Executive President of the Mexican Federation of the Aerospace Industry (FEMIA).
“Everything proposed is achievable if all stakeholders are willing to collaborate and address challenges. It is a very ambitious plan which, if realized, would place our sector in an exciting position,” added the expert.
The document outlines plans to lead the first 100% Latin American space mission, make Mexico one of three countries capable of fully assembling an engine for French aerospace company Safran, and launch a 100% Mexican satellite into orbit. Additionally, Plan Mexico seeks to increase the local and regional content of aerospace exports by 10% and design and construct components for a “national satellite constellation” for observation purposes.
Specifically, the plan includes a development program for suppliers of steel, micro-moldings, polymers, fasteners, ball bearings, plastic injections, cable harnesses, and steering components, among other materials. The growth of the aerospace industry in Mexico is seen as a strategic pillar of national development, combining public and private sector efforts to bolster innovation and manufacturing capabilities.
Plan Mexico reinforces announcements made in November 2024 by Altagracia Gómez Sierra, coordinator of the Advisory Council for Regional Economic Development and Business Relocation, who stated that the government would lead the first 100% Latin American space mission in 2027. The mission is expected to include participation from Mexican astronaut Katya Echazarreta, a native of Guadalajara, Jalisco.
Gómez Sierra previously emphasized that the federal government would work closely with private industry and academia to promote the aerospace industry in Mexico.
Key Highlights
Industry Goals
The aerospace industry being promoted in Mexico will encompass aircraft design, research, development, manufacturing, the associated supply chain, maintenance, repair, and overhaul services.
According to FEMIA, the aerospace industry in Mexico is one of the most dynamic industrial sectors in the country, with sustained annual growth of 14% in recent years. It generates 60,000 direct jobs across 19 states and over 350 established companies. Mexico ranks 12th globally in the aerospace industry and is the seventh-largest exporter to the United States.
Satellite Development
Another key goal of Plan Mexico is to launch the first 100% Mexican satellite into orbit by 2028.
This new “geostationary” satellite will replace the Bicentennial Satellite (Mexsat Bicentenario), launched in 2012 during the administration of former President Enrique Peña Nieto. Its operational lifespan will end in 2031.
The new satellite is expected to be 100 times more capable than its predecessor. It will feature High-Throughput Satellite (HTS) technology for improved efficiency and speed, providing nationwide coverage and exclusive economic zone access with at least 300 Gbps capacity. It will also address digital inclusion needs, including internet access points.
Legislative Framework
In the short term, one of the planned actions is approving the Outer Space Law, which would empower Congress to legislate space-related matters nationwide.
The Chamber approved this legislation of Deputies in March 2023, but it is still pending discussion and approval in the Senate. By 2025, the government expects Congress to pass a constitutional amendment to Articles 28 and 73, enabling the regulation of outer space activities, including on the Moon and celestial bodies. These activities are identified as national development priorities under Article 25 of the Constitution.
Challenges
Luis Lizcano noted that while all federal goals are achievable, funding remains a significant obstacle.
“One of the significant challenges is the comprehensive vision required. Financing is another major hurdle, but we celebrate the plan’s objectives and its overall direction,” he said.
“I’m confident we can achieve the goals set forth by working together. We also appreciate that the sector’s needs and the integration of national capabilities have been considered,” he added.
Lizcano also pointed out that the aerospace industry in Mexico presents logistical and energy challenges due to its ambitious and long-term nature.
“Grand plans come with grand challenges, which require all stakeholders to address them collaboratively,” he remarked.
Without overhyping expectations, Lizcano emphasized the initiative’s positive trajectory. Given the increasing demand for space missions, he highlighted the logistical challenges regarding satellite projects, particularly the limited capacity for current satellite launches.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the aerospace industry in Mexico stands at the cusp of transformative growth, driven by ambitious government initiatives and collaboration with private sector and academic stakeholders. While challenges such as funding, logistics, and regulatory frameworks remain, the outlined goals—ranging from satellite development to advanced manufacturing—highlight the country’s potential to become a global leader in aerospace innovation. With sustained commitment and strategic planning, Mexico’s aerospace industry can achieve its 2030 objectives and serve as a cornerstone for national economic development and technological advancement.