Argentina halts installation of space radar over concerns of military applications and foreign ownership

The Ministry of Defense of Argentina has issued a resolution through the Undersecretary of Telecommunications and Connectivity, suspending the installation of an S-Band Ground Station by LeoLabs.

The radar was intended for tracking and monitoring objects in Low Earth Orbit (LEO).

The decision to suspend the installation was justified due to concerns over potential military applications for third countries and that the U.S. company has British capital ownership.

LeoLabs had aimed to enhance its space security services by improving situational awareness in the southern hemisphere and expanding its ability to detect new objects, including untracked dangerous debris.

The radar was scheduled to become operational by the end of the year, adding to the company’s existing network of seven operational centers, with plans for further expansion.

CEO of LeoLabs, Dan Ceperley, expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to build the radar in Argentina, contributing to the country’s history in space exploration and management.

The location was critical for closing the global space situational awareness coverage gap, particularly in the southern hemisphere.

The radar would significantly enhance object tracking and monitoring capabilities in low-Earth orbit.

The decision has not resulted in diplomatic repercussions thus far.

Argentina’s ambassador to the United States, Jorge Argüello, emphasized the value of the country’s space sector and the enriching collaboration between LeoLabs experts and Argentine engineers.

The radar was seen as a contribution to addressing sustainability issues in the space sector.