Uruguay Space Industry

The centerpiece of Uruguay’s aerospace strategy is the planned coastal spaceport in Rocha, on a remote site owned by the Ministry of National Defense. The spaceport’s planned location on the Atlantic Ocean near the Brazilian border will enable rocket and satellite launches without interfering with the borders of Argentina or Brazil. The site also offers favorable weather conditions and proximity to the sea for debris disposal.  

The facility will be designed to support launches of small rockets and microsatellites into polar and equatorial orbits. The project is being driven primarily by private companies, which are exploring spaceport initiatives in coordination with the Ministry of National Defense. 

Uruguay is also advancing the creation of a National Space Agency within the Presidency, placing it directly under the President’s office rather than a specific ministry so it can centrally coordinate space policy across government, regulate related activities, and license launches and space operations. A related bill introduced in Parliament in late 2022 continues to move forward. Moreover, in 2024, Uruguay became the 36th signatory to the Artemis Accords, reaffirming its commitment to the peaceful, safe, and transparent exploration and use of outer space. 

Some international companies already operate in Uruguay, including satellite manufacturers and space tech firms, contributing to an emerging industry cluster. Uruguay is open to partnerships with U.S. companies that can provide technology, engineering services, and spaceport related products and solutions. 

For U.S. firms interested in learning more about opportunities in Uruguay’s aerospace industry, please contact Office.Montevideo@trade.gov