Launching Latin America: international and domestic factors in national space programs
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Authors
Garvin, Matthew B.
Subjects
space policy
Latin America
space program
Argentina
Bolivia
Brazil
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Mexico
Peru
Uruguay
Venezuela
China
Russia
Europe
satellite
launch vehicle
export control
Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR)
Latin America
space program
Argentina
Bolivia
Brazil
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Mexico
Peru
Uruguay
Venezuela
China
Russia
Europe
satellite
launch vehicle
export control
Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR)
Advisors
Moltz, James Clay
Date of Issue
2014-12
Date
Dec-14
Publisher
Monterey, California: Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
This thesis seeks to understand the internal motivations driving some Latin American countries to pursue space programs, how these programs interact at the regional level, and how countries with more developed space capabilities influence these efforts. This thesis also provides insight on the following questions: What obstacles have impeded the development of Latin American space capabilities thus far, and what are the prospects for future regional and international cooperation? This thesis finds that domestic politics matter most when determining the regional and international orientation of these space programs. Domestically, the desire to develop economically is the fundamental driver. While the era of military rule encouraged geopolitical competition among some of these programs, this faded after the return to democracy. Space now competes poorly with other social and developmental priorities due to a lack of electoral incentives for politicians. International collaboration is restricted by nuclear and missile nonproliferation regimes. U.S. export control regulations limit the scope of potential projects that might have otherwise been accommodated by domestic politics, driving Latin American space programs to seek other international partners. The thesis concludes with recommendations for increasing U.S. engagement with these programs.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
National Security Affairs
Organization
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funder
Format
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.