Young Mexican scientist
Nadia Zenteno Pérez, a 28-year-old scientist from Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, has pioneered a material science project set to launch into space on a NASA mission. Her work, focused on a durable alloy capable of withstanding the harsh environment of space, will be tested aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The project is part of a 2,700-kilogram cargo onboard a SpaceX rocket, scheduled to lift off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Monday evening, at 7:29 p.m. Mexico City time.
Once aboard the ISS, Zenteno’s alloy will be tested over six months in the Materials International Space Station Experiment (MISSE) module. This groundbreaking material, developed through MatXSpace—a collaborative platform of young scientists in Mexico—has the potential to revolutionize satellite infrastructure. The alloy is designed to endure extreme radiation levels and severe temperature variations, making it suitable for advanced satellite and exploration technology.
Expressing her pride, Zenteno emphasized that the project’s success reflects not only her personal achievements but also represents the aspirations of young people in Mexico, particularly those from Chihuahua. Governor María Eugenia Campos, who supported Zenteno’s journey, will attend the launch in support of the scientist’s accomplishments.
Zenteno co-founded MatXSpace alongside Jonathan Cruz and other innovative young scientists. The team develops advanced materials for space and actively promotes technology throughout Latin America. They believe this alloy’s adaptability could lead to significant advancements in space equipment.
Governor Campos described Zenteno’s work as a point of pride for Chihuahua, underscoring her success on both national and international stages. The governor has not only supported Zenteno’s NASA launch trip but also sponsored her recent presentation in Milan, Italy, where she shared her findings with the global aerospace community.
The growth of Mexico’s aerospace sector has become increasingly evident. According to Aviación 21, Mexico has emerged as the world’s 12th largest aerospace exporter and ranks sixth in aerospace exports to the U.S. This thriving industry accounted for 1.4% of Mexico’s GDP, with exports exceeding $9.8 billion in 2022.
Claudia Cristina Villaseñor, economic ministry head for Guanajuato, has forecasted continued expansion in the sector, emphasizing the country’s academic partnerships and growing role as a nearshoring destination. The Mexican Federation of the Aerospace Industry (FEMIA) noted that Mexico’s aerospace sector grew by over 18% in 2022, highlighting its robust and promising future.
