Argentine Company Tlon Space Eyes Uruguay As Satellite Launch Hub

An Argentine company, Tlon Space S.A., is exploring the potential to establish a satellite launch facility in Uruguay, marking a new chapter in the South American nation's space exploration endeavors. The proposed launch site, located on the coast of the Rocha department, would leverage Uruguay's strategic location along the South Atlantic coast, offering favorable launch trajectories for small satellites.

Tlon Space, founded in 2019, has been developing a variety of satellite technologies, including a lightweight microsatellite platform designed for CubeSats, a standard form factor for small satellites. The company's expertise in satellite development and launch capabilities aligns with Uruguay's ambitions to establish itself as a hub for space-related activities.

Uruguay's Ministry of Industry, Energy, and Mine is currently reviewing a bill to create a national space agency, a crucial step in facilitating the development of a space industry in the country. The proposed agency would oversee space activities, including the regulation and promotion of satellite launches.

"Uruguay is strategically located in the South Atlantic, with favorable sea and weather conditions for satellite launch operations," said Alejandro Ferrari, Investment Manager at Uruguay XXI, the country's investment promotion agency. "The potential for a spaceport in Uruguay could attract international investment and create new job opportunities in the space sector."

The establishment of a satellite launch facility in Uruguay would not only benefit the country's economy but also contribute to regional collaboration in space exploration. Uruguay could become a launchpad for satellites serving various purposes, including Earth observation, scientific research, and telecommunications.

With Argentina's Tlon Space leading the charge, Uruguay stands on the cusp of becoming a significant player in the global space industry. The proposed satellite launch facility could propel Uruguay's economic growth and foster innovation in the aerospace sector, positioning the country as a hub for space-related activities in South America.