NASA Administrator Bill Nelson and Deputy Administrator Pamela Melroy, both former astronauts, visited Mexico this week to engage in space diplomacy with President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. The officials emphasized the importance of space exploration as a way to bring people together and tackle global issues like climate change.
During their visit, Nelson and Melroy discussed space-based communications technology, including SpaceX’s Starlink satellites, which are providing high-speed internet to remote areas. López Obrador expressed his dream of expanding connectivity to underserved populations in Mexico through such technology.
Nelson, who orbited Earth in 1986 as a congressman, also proposed the idea of Mexico sending another astronaut to space. He highlighted the achievements of Rodolfo Neri, Mexico’s first astronaut, who flew in 1985.
The visit aimed to strengthen the relationship between the United States and Mexico through a shared interest in space exploration. By highlighting the benefits of space technology and collaboration, the officials hoped to inspire future cooperation between the two countries.
The discussions with López Obrador and other Mexican officials underscored the potential for space exploration to bridge divides and foster innovation on a global scale. As the world looks to the stars for solutions to pressing challenges, partnerships like these are crucial for advancing scientific progress and international cooperation.