Paraguay - A ceremony celebrating the completion of the engineering model of Paraguay's second indigenously developed nanosatellite, 'GuaraniSat-2,' was successfully held at the Paraguayan Space Agency (AEP) Space Lab. The satellite is slated for orbital launch in October 2025 and signifies a significant advancement in Paraguay's space technology sector.

This project is the result of international collaboration involving academic and industrial institutions from various countries, including Italy, Japan, Mexico, and the United States. The ceremony was graced by the presence of Roberto Vittori, a renowned Italian astronaut, and Marcello Fondi, the Italian Ambassador to Paraguay.

Weighing approximately 3.5 kg, GuaraniSat-2 will carry out scientific experiments and Earth observation missions. It is particularly expected to contribute to Paraguay's sustainable development by being utilized in agriculture, environmental monitoring, and disaster management. The project has received support from the Polytechnic University of Bari and Astradyne s.r.l., an Italian startup specializing in deployable solar panels that will supply power in the satellite's orbit.

Attendees at the ceremony included Osvaldo Almirón, Minister-Secretary and General Director of the Paraguayan Space Agency; Hebe Romero, Director of Legal Affairs and International Cooperation; Alejandro Román, Director of Project Execution and Development; and Adolfo Jara, Director of Planning and Management. Also present were Takahatake Chika, Resident Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA); Takemori Kumiko, Coordinator of Technical and Financial Cooperation; Miguel Hirai, Deputy Resident Representative; and Gustavo Brozón, Director of the Multidisciplinary Center for Technological Research at the National University of Asunción.

The Paraguayan Space Agency and Italy are soon to conclude a broader space cooperation agreement, further solidifying collaboration between the two nations. Expectations are high for Italian financial support, particularly for the GuaraniSat-2 launch activities. This agreement is being pursued as part of various initiatives commemorating the 150th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Paraguay and Italy.