Human capital development in the space field is a priority for Mexico to transform into a space power by 2030. Strategies include developing university curricula in space science and engineering, coordinating training labs, and providing scholarships. International cooperation could include student internships, instructor exchanges, and joint STEM programs. Developing certifications and collaborating in areas like remote sensing, satellite technologies, and robotics can support workforce skills.

1. Human capital formation at AEM
General Coordination for Human Capital Development in the
Space Field
Carlos Duarte
Mexico City,
November 20, 2012
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2. Human capital development in the space
field
• Mission
– Develop world class human capital in the space field to
transform Mexico into a space power in the long term
(Vision 2030)
– Foster public engagement in space, and spread space
science and technology among the Mexican population,
specially kids
– Support Mexican Government entities in the use of space
science and technology
Coordinación General de Capital Humano 2 2

3. Vision 2030 Mexico as a space power
Industrial development and
competitiveness
Planning Science and technology International
And development and
Legal
Funding
Affairs
Human capital development in the
space field
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4. MexSat Satellite System
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5. Areas of development
Space Science Advance science by studying the universe
Astronomy Astrophysics
Astrobiology
Earth observation Collect, process and distribute Earth observation data to
support:
policy making decision making
disaster management economic growth
environmental management resource management
Space operations Provide support to space vehicles and ground stations
Satellite tracking Telemetry
In orbital testing Mission control
Space Engineering Development of space systems and subsystems
Structure and composite materials communication systems
attitude control power systems
Stablization payload development
Space outreach and Increasing appreciation of science among our youth and
public engagement improving the scientific literacy of the5
general population

6. Space education in Mexico, current
situation
• Strenghts:
– Young population
– 100,000
engineering
students
• Weaknesses
– Low results
(although
improving) in the
PISA test
– High variability of
education quality
across the country 6

7. Current human capital formation
capabilities
Several Mexican universities already offer degrees in aerospace engineering
UABC and CETYS in Baja California
UACH in Chihuahua
CIIIA in Nuevo León
Educational programs in space science and engineering
UNAM: Condor, Satedu
CICESE: Sensat
UAM: Lunabotics
Several organizations provide education in remote sensing
CRECTEALC
Center for Aerospace Education for Mexico in Jalisco
CentroGeo
Space Science is well recognized in Mexico
UNAM Institutes: Astronomy, Geography, Geophysics
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8. • SATEDU is an educational
satellite manufactured
and fully validated by
UNAM to be used in
school laboratories and
classrooms.
• http://proyectos.iingen.unam.mx/satedu/start.htm
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9. NASA Lunabotics mining competition
• University students
develop a robot
according to NASA
specs
• International
competion
• UAM’s team got 12th
place in 2012
http://www.facebook.com/LunaboticsUAMMexico
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10. • High altitude
balloons (39,000 ft),
transporting
microsatellite type
instrumentation
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11. • Small altitude (4 Km)
solid propellant
rocket development
(UABC)
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12. Human capital formation strategies
• Develop university curricula consistent with
AEMs vision and regional capabilities
• Coordinate and co-finance the development of
training labs in space science and engineering
• Foster international cooperation in space
education
• Provide engineering scholarships, and
work/study Internships with international
partners
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13. Human capital formation strategies
• Promote space science and engineering
contests
• Coordinate and support outreach programs
K-12, STEM programs, mentoring
• Develop certification programs to validate
space skills in the workforce
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14. Some areas of collaboration with other
entities
• Remote sensing
• Telemedicine
• Satellite communications
• Satellite navigation systems
• ITC security
• Avionics
• Simulation, modeling and virtual reality
systems
• Robotics
Coordinación General de Formación de
• Propulsion systems Capital Hunamo 14 14

15. Possible modes of collaboration
• Internships
• Exchange of instructors
• Joint develpment of workshops
• Development of an international graduate
program in space science and engineering
• Participation in STEM and space contests
• Joint development of distant education
tools
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16. “We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build
our youth for the future.” - Franklin D. Roosevelt
Thanks!
Carlos Duarte
duarte.carlos@aem.gob.mx
Tel. +52-55-57-23-93-00 ext. 24404
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