Courtesy of TheSJOPost Newspaper **
Ad Astra Rocket company opens the door for aerospace industry in Costa Rica
The plasma rocket propulsion laboratory Ad Astra Rocket Company - Costa Rica (AARC), located in the northern province of
Guanacaste and led by former astronaut Franklin Chang Díaz, has created a major interest among young Costa Ricans with its space-age opportunities.
Engineering students and professionais are given now the opportunity to showcase their projects in this field, which are then offered to space agencies throughout the worid. It is considered that this kind of plans can be sold for more than $100,000, given the nature of each one.
The Costa Rican Association for Space Research and Aplication (ACIDE) checks the viability of these projects. Then, they are sent to the scientists at AARC for a thorough inspection. Tur organization aims to encourage and develop the country's space technology study and research. We conduct seminars at severá universities to prepare future proposal exhibitors," stated Verónica Solena Corella, president of ACIDE.
Professional work in medicine and space law can also be considered, stressed the general manager of AARC in Costa Rica and also a member of the Association, Ronald Chang, Franklin's brother.
"We want to create awareness and change the mentality of the students that attend our Šeminars, so they can see the real business potential of space technology" stated Ronald Chang.
ACIDE announced that future conferences will emphasize the concept of a space market, space ships, space propulsion and a plasma propulsion laboratory, which was the reason for founding AARC (www.adastrarocket.com). As part of new space-age business opportunities, Ad Astra Rocket Company signed an agreement with the Universidad Interamericana de Costa Rica, which allows its students to take part in the firm's technical research and development.
It's a five year agreement and is a cooperativa effort which does not require special funding, but establishes the norms of how internships and support are generated between both parties.
Costa Rica News 
