Epic Aerospace Expands Operations at Zonamerica, Boosting Uruguay’s Space Industry
The aerospace industry in Uruguay marked a milestone this week as Epic Aerospace celebrated the expansion of its facilities at Zonamerica. This strategic move is set to propel the nation further into the frontier of space technology and innovation.
The newly inaugurated plant enables the concentration of multiple phases related to the development, assembly, and testing of advanced space technology. A standout feature of the facility is its 300 kN shaker, a piece of equipment rarely found in the Latin American private sector. This technology enables the rigorous testing of satellites weighing up to 2,500 kilograms, setting new standards in regional aerospace capabilities.
Among the key unveilings during the ceremony was the CHIMERA GEO 2, a vehicle assembled entirely in Uruguay and engineered to transport payloads between different orbital levels. The addition of the shaker was made possible with the crucial support of ANII (the National Agency for Research and Innovation), serving as a tangible example of the productive collaboration between the public and private sectors to elevate Uruguay’s technological landscape.
The event attracted esteemed guests, most notably the President of the Republic, Yamandú Orsi. A panel discussion also took place with leading industry figures: Ignacio Belieres Montero, CEO and founder of Epic Aerospace; Joaquín Garín from Satellogic; Alvaro Brunini, President of ANII; and Alejandro Ferrari Hernandez, Investment and Post-Investment Manager at Uruguay XXI. The discussions delved into the strengths Uruguay offers for developing the aerospace sector: a pool of highly skilled talent, robust technological infrastructure, political and economic stability, and a collaborative institutional framework that bridges business, academia, and government.
These capabilities have already produced impressive results. Uruguay currently ranks as the second country in the Americas, after the United States, by the number of satellites manufactured and launched from its soil—surpassing 50 satellites to date.
The expansion of Epic Aerospace‘s infrastructure, technology, and expertise represents another firm step toward strengthening the country’s space ecosystem and solidifying Uruguay’s position on the global aerospace map.
Key Takeaways:
- The addition of state-of-the-art equipment, such as the 300 kN shaker, sets a new benchmark for private sector aerospace development in Latin America.
- The launch of CHIMERA GEO 2 underlines Uruguay’s capability to design and assemble complex space vehicles domestically.
- Public–private partnerships are crucial in driving the next wave of technological innovation and capacity building in Uruguay.
With continued momentum and commitment to innovation, Uruguay further cements itself as a regional leader in the space industry.
Team V.4-LKDN-UAE
