This document discusses the development of human capital in the space field in Mexico. It outlines Mexico's vision for becoming a major contributor to space science and technology by 2030. It identifies key areas for development like earth observation, space operations, and engineering. It also examines Mexico's current space education capabilities and weaknesses in STEM education. Strategies are proposed to develop university curricula, train professors, promote international cooperation, and engage students in contests to foster growth of the field. Collaboration with Japan is suggested in areas like student exchanges, instructor training, and distance education tools. Developing strong human capital through education is seen as essential for Mexico to succeed in space.

1. 1
Needs and challenges for the
development of human capital in the
space field in Mexico
Carlos Duarte
Deputy Director for Human Capital Development in the Space
Field
México, D.F.
February 16, 2015

2. 2
Vision 2030
Mexico makes significant
contributions to space S&T
Planning
And
Funding
Industrial development and
competitiveness
International
and
Legal
Affairs
Science and technology
development
Human capital development in the
space field

3. 3
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
public engagement
Increasing appreciation of science among our youth and
improving the scientific literacy of the general population

4. 4
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

5. 5
Current capabilities in space education
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

6. 6
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 6

7. 7
Space education strategies
• Develop university curricula consistent with
AEMs vision and regional capabilities
• Train the trainer: focus on training
professors
• Coordinate and co-finance the development
of educational labs in space science and
engineering
• Foster international cooperation in space
education
• Promote work/study internships with
international partners

8. 8
• 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
Space education strategies

9. AEM Space education tools
• Electronic magazine
• Educational portal
• Educational contests

10. Electronics magazine
www.haciaelespacio.org

11. Educational portal
www.educacionespacial.org

12. Space Contests

13. World space week, México
October 4-10
More than 80 venues all
over Mexico
More than 800 activities
Workshops
Talks
Art events
Contests

14. 14
Possible modes of collaboration with
Japan
• Internships of Mexican students in Japan
• Exchange of instructors
• Joint develpment of workshops
• Participation in STEM and space science
contests
• Joint development of distant education tools
• Use of JAXA educational materials

15. Conclusions
• Human capital development the key for
success
• Need to develop a strong program for
capacity building
• Use of ICT´s mandatory
• International cooperation is crucial

16. 16
Thanks!
Carlos Duarte
duarte.carlos@aem.gob.mx