Japan to donate USD 24 million for Paraguay satellite technology

Japan has agreed to provide approximately USD 24 million in non-reimbursable cooperation to Paraguay to develop satellite technology infrastructure. The agreement was signed by Paraguayan Foreign Minister Rubén Ramírez Lezcano and Hajime Takasago, the resident representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

The funds will be used to construct and equip a Space Technology Utilization Center at the National University of Asunción. The facility, spanning roughly 3,400 square meters across four levels, will feature two primary areas: a ‘Space Lab’ for the design and integration of small satellites and nanosatellites, and a ‘GeoLab’ for processing geospatial information.

This technological advancement aims to support various sectors, including agriculture, natural resource monitoring, territorial management, disaster prevention, and public policy planning. The project also focuses on training researchers and professionals, building upon previous Paraguayan space milestones such as the GuaraníSat-1 and the development of GuaraníSat-2.