First satellite developed in Central America to be launched by 2015

Central American Association of Aeronautics and Space (ACAE) President Carlos Alvarado said his organization aims to launch the first satellite developed in Central America by 2015, funded by the Costa Rican government and the Central American Integration System (SICA). Alvarado acknowledged that the US$500,000 satellite would be limited in function and noted the true intention is to attract aerospace companies to the region. ACAE hopes to create an aerospace industry ‘cluster’ by building the necessary infrastructure and coordinating with universities to provide training.