Peruvian Space Governance and Strategic Development

Key Takeaways

• Peru operates through the National Commission for Aerospace Research and Development (CONIDA) as its primary space agency.
• The nation signed the Artemis Accords in 2024 to foster international cooperation and sustainable lunar exploration.
• Recent legislative updates and the 2024 National Space Policy prioritize regional leadership and satellite infrastructure.

Introduction

The evolution of space governance in Peru reflects a shift from purely scientific observation toward a sophisticated framework of international diplomacy and commercial ambition. As the nation moves through 2026, its regulatory environment serves as a blueprint for emerging space-faring countries in South America. The Peruvian state manages its extraterrestrial interests through a centralized body that coordinates between defense requirements and civilian developmental needs. This dual-purpose approach ensures that space technology supports agriculture, disaster response, and national security while adhering to global legal standards.

Establishing a robust governance structure has allowed Peru to move past basic research into the realm of strategic infrastructure. By aligning its domestic laws with international treaties, the country has created a predictable environment for foreign investment and technological exchange. The government’s current trajectory emphasizes the importance of the space sector as a pillar of the national economy, moving away from viewing orbit as a distant frontier to treating it as a vital resource for terrestrial progress.

The Institutional Architecture of CONIDA

The National Commission for Aerospace Research and Development (CONIDA) functions as the central nervous system for all space-related activities in Peru. Established in the 1970s, the agency has transitioned from a specialized research group into a full-scale Peruvian Space Agency . It operates under the umbrella of the Ministry of Defense, which provides it with the logistical support and administrative weight necessary to manage high-value national assets. This institutional placement is common in the region, reflecting the historical link between aerospace technology and national sovereignty.

CONIDA’s mandate involves the promotion, research, and dissemination of space science. It manages the National Satellite Image Operations Center (CNOIS), located in Pucusana, south of Lima. This facility is the hub for controlling the country’s most significant orbital asset and distributing data to various government branches. By centralizing operations, the agency prevents the duplication of efforts across different ministries and ensures that satellite data is accessible for environmental monitoring, urban planning, and border surveillance.

Internal governance within the agency is guided by a strategic plan that aligns with broader national development goals. The leadership focuses on developing human capital by partnering with universities to create specialized curricula in aerospace engineering and remote sensing. This focus on education ensures that the governance framework is supported by a technically proficient workforce capable of maintaining complex systems. The agency’s role extends beyond technical management, as it also serves as the primary advisor to the executive branch on matters of space policy.

The 2024 National Space Policy

A significant milestone in the country’s governance journey was the adoption of the 2024 National Space Policy. This document provides a long-term vision for the sector, moving beyond the immediate needs of specific missions. It outlines three primary pillars: international integration, technological innovation, and geopolitical projection. The policy acknowledges that Peru can’t compete in a vacuum and must instead seek partnerships that enhance its regional influence and technical capacity.

The policy formalizes the move toward a space economy. It encourages the development of a domestic supply chain, aiming to involve local private companies in the production of components and software for future missions. By providing a clear regulatory path, the government seeks to reduce the risks associated with private sector entry into the aerospace market. This includes simplifying the licensing process for satellite operations and establishing clear guidelines for data sharing and intellectual property rights.

Geopolitical projection is a central theme of the 2024 framework. Peru seeks to position itself as a mediator and leader within the Andean region. The policy explicitly supports the creation of a regional nanosatellite constellation, which would allow neighboring countries to share costs and benefits. This collaborative spirit is designed to build trust and ensure that Peru remains a key player in the Latin American and Caribbean Space Agency (ALCE), an organization aimed at unifying the region’s space efforts.

Legal Framework and International Treaties

Peru’s domestic space laws are grounded in a series of international commitments. The country is a state party to all five of the fundamental United Nations space treaties, including the Outer Space Treaty and the Liability Convention . These international obligations are integrated into national legislation through supreme decrees and ministerial resolutions. This adherence ensures that any activity launched from or controlled by Peru is conducted in a peaceful and transparent manner.

The National Register of Objects Launched into Outer Space was established to comply with the Registration Convention . This register is a critical piece of the governance puzzle, as it provides a formal record of the country’s orbital assets. It ensures that the state can be held accountable for its satellites and can participate in global efforts to track space debris. In 2026, the management of this registry has become increasingly complex as more private entities and academic institutions look to launch small-scale payloads.

Domestic regulation also covers the dissemination of satellite imagery. Law No. 28799 declares the establishment and operation of the National Center for Satellite Imagery Operations to be of national interest. This law provides the legal basis for the government to procure and manage high-resolution data. It sets strict rules on how this data can be used, balancing the need for public transparency with the requirements of national security. The governance of this data is a key aspect of the digital transformation strategy currently being implemented across the Peruvian public sector.

The Role of PeruSat-1 in National Governance

The PeruSat-1 satellite represents the practical application of the country’s governance model. Launched in 2016, this Earth observation satellite is the most powerful in its class in Latin America. Its management requires a sophisticated administrative structure that involves CONIDA and various end-user ministries. The satellite’s life cycle, which is reaching its nominal end in late 2026, has provided the government with a decade of experience in handling high-stakes space operations.

Governance of the satellite involves a prioritized tasking system. Different state agencies, such as the Ministry of Agriculture or the National Institute of Civil Defense, submit requests for imagery. CONIDA then coordinates these requests based on a hierarchy of national needs. During times of natural disaster, such as the El Niño phenomenon, the satellite’s governance shifts toward an emergency protocol, where disaster response takes absolute precedence. This flexibility is a hallmark of the Peruvian approach, ensuring that expensive assets provide maximum public value.

As the mission enters its final phase, the governance focus has shifted toward succession planning. The experience gained with the current satellite is being used to draft requirements for its replacement. This involves not just technical specifications but also a review of the legal and financial structures used to procure the hardware. The government is exploring public-private partnerships for future missions, a move that would represent a significant shift in how space projects are funded and governed in Peru.

International Cooperation and the Artemis Accords

In May 2024, Peru became the 41st nation to sign the Artemis Accords , a non-binding set of principles for cooperation in the civil exploration and use of the Moon, Mars, and other celestial bodies. This move signaled a major shift in the country’s space diplomacy. By joining the accords, Peru has aligned itself with a global coalition led by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) that promotes transparency, interoperability, and the release of scientific data.

Participation in the accords has direct implications for domestic governance. It requires the state to adopt certain standards regarding the registration of space objects and the deconfliction of activities. It also opens doors for Peruvian scientists and engineers to participate in international missions. The government has leveraged this membership to boost its international profile, culminating in the decision to host the fourth edition of the Artemis Accords Workshop in May 2026. This event brings together representatives from over 50 nations to discuss the legal and technical challenges of lunar exploration.

The workshop serves as a catalyst for internal regulatory reform. In preparation for the event, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and CONIDA have been working to refine the National Strategy for Science and Space Diplomacy. This strategy aims to use the country’s space capabilities as a tool for international relations, building stronger ties with both traditional partners and emerging space powers. The governance of these relationships is managed through a coordinated effort between the defense and diplomatic corps, ensuring a unified national voice on the global stage.

The Proposed Spaceport in Talara

One of the most ambitious projects in the current governance cycle is the proposal to build a spaceport at the El Pato Air Base in Talara. Located near the equator, this site offers significant physical advantages for orbital launches, as the Earth’s rotation provides a natural boost to rockets. The governance of such a project involves a complex web of environmental, safety, and commercial regulations. It requires the coordination of the Peruvian Air Force , the Ministry of Transport and Communications, and local regional governments.

Developing a spaceport necessitates the creation of a new regulatory category within the national legal framework. The state must define the liability of launch providers, the safety protocols for the surrounding population, and the customs procedures for importing sensitive aerospace components. This project is seen as a way to integrate Peru into the global launch market, providing a services hub for small and medium-sized satellites. The governance model for the spaceport is expected to be a public-private hybrid, where the state provides the land and security while private firms manage the technical operations.

The economic impact of the Talara project is a primary driver for its support within the executive branch. By creating a specialized economic zone around the spaceport, the government aims to attract high-tech manufacturing and logistics firms. This requires a governance structure that can handle complex industrial permitting and long-term infrastructure planning. If successful, the spaceport would transform the northern coast of Peru into a regional aerospace hub, fundamentally altering the country’s economic profile.

Governance of Emerging Technologies: AI and Space

The intersection of artificial intelligence and space technology has prompted a new wave of regulatory activity. In 2023, Peru enacted Law No. 31814, which promotes the use of AI for economic and social development. By 2025, the regulation of this law provided a framework for the responsible use of AI across all sectors, including the space industry. The governance of satellite data increasingly relies on AI for automated image analysis, making these regulations highly relevant to the aerospace sector.

CONIDA has integrated these AI guidelines into its data management protocols. This ensures that the use of automated systems for monitoring deforestation or urban growth respects privacy and ethical standards. The Secretariat of Government and Digital Transformation (SGTD) serves as the national authority for AI, and it works closely with CONIDA to ensure that space-derived data is handled securely. This inter-institutional coordination is a key component of the country’s broader goal to become a digital leader in South America.

The governance of AI in space also extends to the operation of the satellites themselves. As future missions move toward greater autonomy, the legal framework must evolve to address the liability and control of AI-driven systems in orbit. Peru’s proactive approach in regulating AI early on has given it a head start in addressing these issues. The government is currently working on a nationwide data governance policy that will further clarify how space-derived information can be used to fuel the country’s AI ecosystem.

Regional Integration and ALCE

Peru’s commitment to regional space governance is most visible in its support for the Latin American and Caribbean Space Agency (ALCE). This organization, modeled after the European Space Agency , aims to pool the resources and expertise of nations across the region. Peru was one of the early signatories to the agreement, recognizing that a unified regional body can negotiate more effectively with global space powers. The governance of ALCE involves a council of member states where Peru plays an active role in setting priorities.

The country’s participation in ALCE is driven by a desire for regional convergence. By sharing the costs of satellite development and launch services, Peru can access more advanced technology than it could afford on its own. The governance structure of the agency allows for the creation of joint projects, such as a regional climate monitoring constellation. This collaboration requires a high degree of legal harmonization between member states, an area where Peru has taken a leadership role by sharing its experience in satellite operations and international law.

Regional integration also serves a diplomatic purpose. It builds a sense of community among Latin American scientists and policymakers, fostering a culture of innovation that transcends national borders. Within the context of ALCE, Peru advocates for the creation of an Andean Space Innovation Fund. This fund would provide grants and loans to startups and research groups in the region, encouraging the growth of a local aerospace industry. This approach to governance is both practical and aspirational, seeking to build a sustainable future for the entire continent.

Educational Governance and Human Capital

A governance model is only as strong as the people who operate it. Peru has recognized that long-term success in space requires a sustained investment in education. The government’s role in this area involves setting national standards for aerospace education and providing scholarships for study abroad. The National Council for Science, Technology and Technological Innovation (CONCYTEC) is the lead agency in this effort, working to coordinate research funding and promote STEM education.

The governance of aerospace research involves a network of public and private universities. Institutions like the National University of Engineering (UNI) and the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru have developed specialized labs and satellite programs. CONIDA supports these efforts by providing access to satellite data and facilities for testing small-scale rockets and CubeSats. This collaborative governance model ensures that academic research is aligned with national priorities and that students gain hands-on experience with real-world space systems.

International scholarships play a vital role in this educational ecosystem. Through agreements with countries like France, the United States, and Brazil, Peruvian students can pursue advanced degrees in aerospace engineering. Upon their return, these professionals are integrated into CONIDA or the private sector, bringing with them a global perspective and specialized skills. This “brain gain” is a deliberate part of the national space strategy, aimed at creating a self-sustaining pool of experts who can lead the country’s space efforts for decades to come.

Public-Private Partnerships in the Space Sector

The future of Peruvian space governance lies in the successful integration of the private sector. Traditionally, space has been the exclusive domain of the military and the state, but this is changing rapidly. The government is creating a legal framework that encourages private companies to invest in satellite services, telecommunications, and ground station operations. This shift requires a move toward a more market-oriented governance model, where the state acts as a regulator and a facilitator rather than the sole operator.

Promoting private investment involves several regulatory incentives. The government is exploring tax breaks for companies involved in aerospace research and development. It’s also working to simplify the bureaucratic hurdles for startups looking to launch small payloads. By creating a “one-stop shop” for space-related permits, the state aims to reduce the time and cost associated with entering the market. This regulatory improvement mirrors the successful “Single Window” model used in the Peruvian mining sector to facilitate investment and ensure compliance.

The private sector’s role is also seen in the procurement of future satellites. Instead of buying a satellite outright, the government might purchase “data-as-a-service” from a private provider. This would shift the operational risk and maintenance costs to the private firm, while the state focuses on using the data to meet its developmental goals. This evolution in governance reflects a global trend toward the “New Space” economy, where agile private companies play a central role in providing orbital capabilities.

Space Governance and Environmental Stewardship

Environmental protection is a core objective of Peru’s space activities. The governance of satellite data is inextricably linked to the country’s commitment to the Paris Agreement and the protection of the Amazon rainforest . Satellite imagery is the most effective tool for monitoring illegal logging and mining in remote areas. The governance framework ensures that this data is shared with the Ministry of the Environment and the specialized police units tasked with protecting natural resources.

The use of space technology for environmental stewardship is guided by the National Climate Change Strategy. This document outlines how satellite data should be used to track the retreat of Andean glaciers and the impact of rising sea levels on coastal communities. By providing an objective, high-altitude view of the country’s ecosystems, the space agency helps the government make informed decisions about conservation and resource management. The governance of this information is vital for holding both the state and private entities accountable for their environmental impact.

In 2026, the focus on “Space for Sustainability” has led to new international partnerships. Peru participates in global initiatives that use satellite data to track carbon emissions and biodiversity loss. This participation requires the adoption of international data standards and the implementation of open-data policies. The government’s approach is to make as much environmental data as possible available to the public, fostering a sense of shared responsibility for the nation’s natural heritage. This transparent governance model helps build public support for the space program, showing that it has tangible benefits for the planet.

Challenges and Future Outlook

While the progress in Peruvian space governance is significant, several challenges remain. The most pressing is the need for consistent funding across different political cycles. Space projects require long-term commitments that can be difficult to maintain in a volatile political environment. The 2024 National Space Policy seeks to address this by codifying the sector’s importance in law, making it harder for future administrations to deprioritize the program.

Another challenge is the rapid pace of technological change. The legal framework must be flexible enough to handle innovations like mega-constellations of small satellites and the commercial use of lunar resources. This requires a proactive approach to legislative updates and a constant dialogue with international partners. The governance model must also address the growing threat of cyber-attacks on space infrastructure, an area that requires specialized expertise and significant investment in cybersecurity.

The outlook for 2026 and beyond is cautiously optimistic. Peru has laid a solid foundation for its space governance, combining a clear institutional structure with a forward-looking policy framework. Its role as a regional leader and a signatory to the Artemis Accords positions it well to navigate the complexities of the second space age. As the nation moves toward the construction of its own spaceport and the launch of new satellite missions, its governance model will continue to evolve, serving as a vital tool for national development and international cooperation.

Summary

The landscape of Peruvian space governance in 2026 is defined by a strategic blend of domestic institutional strength and international collaboration. Through CONIDA, the state manages its aerospace assets with a focus on national security and sustainable development. The adoption of the 2024 National Space Policy and the signing of the Artemis Accords have provided a clear roadmap for future growth, emphasizing the role of space technology in the country’s economic and digital transformation. As Peru prepares to host global forums and explores the development of its own spaceport, its regulatory framework continues to mature, ensuring that the nation remains a key player in the global space community. The integration of the private sector and the continued investment in human capital are essential components of a strategy that views space not as a distant frontier, but as a fundamental tool for progress on Earth.

Appendix: Top 10 Questions Answered in This Article

What is the primary body responsible for space activities in Peru?

The National Commission for Aerospace Research and Development, known as CONIDA, serves as the central agency for all space-related matters. It operates under the Ministry of Defense and coordinates both civilian and military aerospace initiatives.

When did Peru join the Artemis Accords and why is it significant?

Peru signed the Artemis Accords on May 30, 2024, becoming the 41st nation to join the NASA-led coalition for lunar exploration. This membership aligns the country with international standards for transparency and peaceful space use while opening doors for technological partnerships.

What is the role of the CNOIS facility in Pucusana?

The National Satellite Image Operations Center (CNOIS) is the ground station responsible for controlling the PeruSat-1 satellite and processing its data. It acts as a data hub for various government agencies, providing imagery for agriculture, security, and disaster management.

What are the main objectives of the 2024 National Space Policy?

The 2024 policy focuses on international integration, technological innovation, and geopolitical projection. It aims to develop a domestic space economy, involve the private sector, and establish Peru as a regional leader in aerospace technology.

How does Peru contribute to regional space governance in Latin America?

Peru is a founding member of the Latin American and Caribbean Space Agency (ALCE), which seeks to unify the region’s space efforts. The country advocates for shared satellite constellations and regional innovation funds to pool resources across the continent.

What is the status of the proposed spaceport in Talara?

As of 2026, the spaceport at El Pato Air Base in Talara is a high-priority proposal undergoing regulatory and environmental review. Its equatorial location makes it a highly efficient site for launching satellites, and the government is seeking public-private partnerships to realize the project.

Which international treaties govern Peru’s space activities?

Peru is a state party to all five major United Nations space treaties, including the Outer Space Treaty and the Registration Convention. These agreements mandate that the country’s space activities remain peaceful, transparent, and legally accountable.

How does the government regulate the use of AI in the space sector?

The governance of AI in space is handled through Law No. 31814 and subsequent regulations that mandate the responsible and ethical use of automated systems. These rules apply to the processing of satellite data and the potential future use of autonomous spacecraft.

What is the PeruSat-1 satellite and how is it managed?

PeruSat-1 is a high-resolution Earth observation satellite launched in 2016 and managed by CONIDA. Its operations are governed by a priority-based system that ensures satellite imagery is used effectively for national developmental and security needs.

How does the Peruvian government support the development of a local aerospace workforce?

The state supports human capital development through a network of university partnerships and international scholarship programs coordinated by CONCYTEC. This strategy ensures a steady supply of trained professionals to manage the country’s growing space infrastructure and regulatory needs.