As part of its efforts to become self-sufficient in aerospace technology, Mexico is working to shift from being users to developers. The country’s first suborbital mission, the Experimental Module for the Iterative Design of Satellite Subsystems version 6 (Emidss-6), is set to launch on December 31 into the stratosphere with the support of NASA and the National Science Foundation from McMurdo Base in Antarctica.
The Emidss-6 mission will last between 15 to 20 days, orbiting the Earth onboard a superpressure balloon (SPB) for an extended period in the stratosphere. This project represents a significant milestone as it aims to collect data on climatological variables using high-resolution cameras to identify pollutants like microplastics in the air.
IPN and UNAM are collaborating on this project through their Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology, building trust and credibility with NASA that has led to an invitation to participate in this Antarctic mission. The Emidss projects involve developing experimental instruments in a space environment, with each version incorporating improvements and advancements. This collaboration began in 2019, leading to projects such as Emidss-1 through Emidss-5.
Mexico’s long-term goal is to be owners of their technology by integrating foreign elements and materials into specific purposes like the aerospace field. These projects demonstrate Mexico’s progress towards self-reliance in technology and infrastructure, paving the way for future advancements and independence in the aerospace industry.
