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Peru evaluates satellite acquisition, says Defense Minister

Peru's minister of Defense Antero Flores-Aráoz (right) stated today that there is the possibility of buying a satellite to capture images that will allow work on defense and atmospheric topics, as well as hydrographic resources and prevention of climatological phenomena.

Flores-Aráoz added the satellite purchase has always been a possibility for Peru, and that its acquisition is a topic of permanent analysis to determine if Peru should count on an own satellite or rent the service from a system that already works in orbit.

"We have been evaluating the possibility of getting a satellite since some time ago. Logically, we evaluate what is better for us concerning the image capture: renting a service or counting on our own satellite", he said to a local radio station.

The Peruvian minister clarified that the evaluation to acquire a satellite is not a response to Chile's announcement of putting in orbit a modern satellite observation system in February 2010.

In addition, he regretted that some media highlight Peru and Chile’s acquisitions as a negative topic, which could affect the bilateral relations of these countries.

News source: ANDINA

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# CapitanDan says :
17 August, 2008 [ 00:01 ]

Peru doesn't need it's own satellite. Either rent the service or do what the U.S. Military does intercept the signals.The equipment is there on the market. You can buy used  U.S. Mk4 systems that can intercept Chile's signals and see what their actually looking at.That's really the point of this keep up with Chile. Hmm I miss the good old days. Chau Friends

# Peter says :
17 August, 2008 [ 16:18 ]

Hola all. With the risk of sounding repetitive,maybe Sr.Flores Araoz could re-direct the funding for this questionable project into the military's assistance to Ica,Pisco & Nasca's reconstruction.
I find it odd that people want to see long distances when they tend to ignore what is happening in their own "back yard".
Come on Government ministers, do something more productive and humane for the people who elected you.....they need you.

# Splaktar says :
17 August, 2008 [ 22:10 ]

Well Peru certainly needs something.  They don't have radar to cover most of the country.  Their jets to recon the country are out of date and in need of major repairs.  Most of the terrain is too difficult to scout and watch on a regular basis by foot or with helicopter.  A sat would allow the gov't and police the ability to better track the movement of Peruvian rebels, FARC, drug smugglers, etc.  In age where neighboring countries are investing pretty heavily in weapons, you should at least be able to see what is going on in your own country.

# Jorge Matos says :
17 August, 2008 [ 22:13 ]

Google Earth Subscription will be a good start for any mayor gubernamental office as any Library or University in Peru, free to use.
It will open many possibilities for own Peruvians to explore their country.
Jorge Matos

# CapitanDan says :
18 August, 2008 [ 01:11 ]

Splaktar, I agree that Peru's borders are porous. Did you read my answer to this lunacy. The Mark 4 sat. system was developed as a weather sat system. It was also used as the spy in the sky.It intercepted Russian and Soviet Block messages. I was privy to this tech. in 96. It has since been condensed from a van to a laptop. I was allowed to attend a school and instruct on how to use this system. I still have my manuals and could build a model.You don't need a satellite you use the satellites that are over the target. I can be bought cheap as long as I get diplomatic immunity.Chau Friends

# CapitanDan says :
18 August, 2008 [ 01:43 ]

Splaktar, If you are so worried about the drug trade and terrorists why not advocate intervention by the EEUU. There drones can fly for hours unmanned and armed with an array of weapons that would spellbound most people. Back to the original subject. It's just trying to keep up with Chile. As for our neighbors, Why should we be as foolish? It seems that our leaders have no idea what materials and expertise is available. I ask one thing from Peru . They pay for my legal expenses for breaching my confidentiality contract. Chau My Friends

# Peter says :
18 August, 2008 [ 05:02 ]

Allillanchu Splaktar.
Si, good points that you make about national security and other control issues...maybe your neighbouring countries are more ambitious than I know about....well, I mean, the "war" with Chile has been going on for centuries...but these days it seems to be a "marketing" war (for example...Pisco Sour)... b.t.w I am an Aussie but my espousa is a Peruana....so I get lots of "inside" knowledge if you know what I mean !! :)
Anyway, at the end of the day, the bloody point that I am trying to make is.....x-referenced with your ideas...the Government (tambien the aid agencies)help the disaster victims before they (the people)become sympathetic to any outside influences....if you get my drift ??!!
Well, we continue to pray to the APUS,
Viracocha & Mamacocha

# Luis says :
18 August, 2008 [ 11:01 ]

I like your point Viracocha and I expect your Mamacocha is a beautiful peruvian. That is why you choose her over las bonitas australianas.
I also think CapitanDan is right. By yhe way, hey Cap if you can build one of those things, what do you need to do it? Money or special License.

Saludos desde New York

Luis

Peruvianyorker

# rice and sugar says :
18 August, 2008 [ 11:06 ]

Peru should rent satellite services - at least FOR NOW. Too many hungry kids in the country, we cannot afford buying one at the moment. PErhaps in the future. (I have kids, and having to buy a brand new car vs. keeping my old one is still a debate. There are PROS and CONS to both options, but immediate needs take priorities).
Once we learn and train our people what do to and how to use satellite data at its best, then we can consider budgeting our own satellite.

People in Pisco are going to eat the satellite???

# CapitanDan says :
18 August, 2008 [ 11:44 ]

Luis, To build it I would need a country that wouldn't extradite my Butt to the EEUU. Kidding aside, The best way to quell rebellion is too insure the people are Fed, Educated and have Hope for a Future. F-16's, Migs and Tanks will not stop a desperate people. I am afraid that Peru's people may again go to desperate means when they continually see the disregard for whats important to them(FOOD,SHELTER and HOPE for their Families Future).Too many people in Peru live day to day and by the government spending money on projects that don't bring immediate relief to their problems you sow the seeds of unrest. Chau Friends