On September 4, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed a Grant Agreement (G/A) with the Government of the Republic of Paraguay in Asunción, the capital of Paraguay, for the “Satellite Technology-Related Facilities Development Project.” The agreement was signed that day by Rubén Ramírez Lescano, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Paraguay, and Dai Takasago, Director of the JICA Paraguay Office.
Scenes from the signing ceremony
Through the provision of facilities and equipment related to small satellite development, this cooperation aims to improve satellite development technology and strengthen satellite data analysis capabilities, thereby supporting efforts to address challenges in the country’s agriculture, livestock, and disaster prevention sectors.
Through the utilization of satellite data, this project will promote improvements in the productivity and quality of Paraguay’s agriculture, forestry, and livestock industries, and by helping to maintain and strengthen stable food supply relationships with that country, it will contribute to Japan’s food security. Furthermore, by enhancing disaster prevention and response capabilities, the project will help protect vulnerable populations who are particularly susceptible to the effects of disasters, while also contributing to the provision of inclusive social services based on the principles of human security.
Furthermore, it is anticipated that through this project, Paraguay will serve as a hub for small satellite development in Latin America, generating spillover effects for neighboring countries. This is expected to enhance the presence of Japan’s space technology and space industry and promote the expansion of Japanese companies into Latin America. Furthermore, it is anticipated that this project will lead to expanded exchange and collaboration between researchers in Japan and Paraguay.
The business overview is as follows.
Plan for the Development of Satellite Technology-Related Facilities
The Project for the Development of Facilities Related to Satellite Technologies
・Country (Target Region)
Republic of Paraguay (City of San Lorenzo, Central Department)
・Business Objectives
This project is aimed at the Paraguayan Space Agency (AEP) and involves the construction of small satellite test facilities, satellite-related ground systems, and the management of satellite data, as well as the construction of a Space Technology Utilization Center equipped with these facilities. The project aims to strengthen the AEP’s small satellite development capabilities and enhance the AEP’s and relevant government ministries’ ability to utilize satellite data for agricultural development, climate change countermeasures, and other purposes, thereby contributing to the resolution of challenges facing Paraguay’s agriculture and livestock industries, disaster prevention, and other areas.
・Business Activities
(a) Details of Facilities, Equipment, etc.
[Facility] Center for the Utilization of Space Technology
[Equipment] A complete set of small satellite test facilities (vibration test equipment, thermal vacuum test equipment, etc.), a complete set of satellite-related ground systems (VHF, UHF, and parabolic antennas; high-speed storage servers; uninterruptible power supplies, etc.), and satellite data processing (optical satellite data, elevation data, etc.)
(ii) Details of Consulting Services and Software Components
Consulting Services: Detailed Design, Bidding Support, Construction Supervision
Software Components: Equipment Operation, Manual Development, etc.
・Maximum Grant Amount
3.818 billion yen
・Scheduled Implementation Period
43 months (including the detailed design and bidding periods)
・Implementing Agency
Paraguayan Space Agency
・ Contributing to the Achievement of the SDGs
Goal 2 (Zero Hunger)
Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth)
Goal 9 (Build the Foundations for Industry and Innovation)
Goal 13 (Take concrete action on climate change)
Goal 17 (Let’s Achieve Our Goals Through Partnerships)
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