In the El Toro Viaduct, students from the Technical School No. 3.106 Engineer Maury in Campo Quijano, together with the Strategic Coordination of Science and Technology of the Ministry of Education and Culture of Salta, conducted transmission tests with a captive helium-filled balloon. The test consisted of raising a one-meter diameter balloon to about 2,000 meters in height, verifying the operation of live transmission systems, geolocation, and data transmission.
These tests are part of the preparations for the launch of a stratospheric balloon on June 2 in San Antonio de los Cobres, one of the highlights of the II Latin American Conference of the International Academy of Astronautics on Space and Society, which will be held in Salta from June 1 to 6.
The Conference
The event will bring together specialists from national and international institutions:
- CONAE, CNEA, CONICET, UNLP, UBA, INVAP, Satellogic, and X-SAM.
- International organizations such as NASA (USA), ESA (Europe), SSTL (United Kingdom), and ISISpace (Netherlands).
- Latin American space agencies and companies linked to aerospace technology.
The objectives are to exchange information, explore new concepts, and foster collaborations between educational, scientific, and technological institutions in Argentina and the world. Projects and satellite missions in progress will also be analyzed, with concrete applications for society.
Educational Activities
The Conference will include international competitions for all educational levels:
- Drawing contest on Space and Society.
- Rover (Astromobile).
- Stratosphere Explorers.
Additionally, there will be practical workshops such as the assembly and launch of paper rockets, with the participation of students from the NOA and international advisors.
Space Education: Key Benefits
Incorporating space topics in schools is essential to cultivate scientific curiosity and prepare young people for future challenges. Its main contributions are:
- Promotion of curiosity and science: astronomy motivates students and facilitates STEM learning.
- Development of 21st-century skills: critical thinking, innovation, creativity, and teamwork.
- Technological awareness: understanding the impact of space technology on daily life (communications, agriculture, medicine, navigation).
- Professional inspiration: highlights the relevance of space careers and opens new job opportunities.
The launch of the stratospheric balloon in San Antonio de los Cobres will be more than an experiment: it will be a symbol of the region’s educational and scientific potential. The Conference in Salta positions the province as an international meeting point for space science, where students, teachers, and experts share experiences that strengthen innovation and cooperation in Latin America.
