The Argentine Air Force carried out a new experimental launch of the MET 2-SO "CRUX" sounding rocket this Wednesday, a mission that reaffirms the country's progress in aerospace development.
Defense Minister Luis Petri highlighted the achievement through his social media, emphasizing that President Javier Milei's government "revolutionized Argentine aerospace history" and that "the country's future is reaching new heights."
Argentina consolida su presencia espacial: la Fuerza Aérea lanzó con éxito el cohete sonda MET 2-SO 'CRUX'
The launch was carried out from the Atlantic Projectile Launch Test Center (CELPA II), located in Mar Chiquita, Buenos Aires Province. According to Petri, the mission achieved the simultaneous recovery of the payload and the engine, a technical advancement made possible by the implementation of new geolocation and autonomous buoyancy systems.
This progress constitutes a strategic step to strengthen the autonomous development of propulsion systems and vectors, a key area for Argentina's technological sovereignty and scientific projection in the aerospace field.
Project continuity initiated in 2024
The MET 2-SO "CRUX" rocket continues the line of work started in 2024 with the MET 1-SO "Escorpio," the first successful test of the program promoted by the Ministry of Defense. Both projects are part of a state policy aimed at consolidating national capabilities in the design, manufacturing, and recovery of sounding rockets, which are essential for scientific, meteorological, and observation missions.
Argentina consolida su presencia espacial: la Fuerza Aérea lanzó con éxito el cohete sonda MET 2-SO 'CRUX'
Petri congratulated the Argentine Air Force and the Ministry of Defense agencies involved in the operation: CITEDEF, CIA, CITEA, AMRIV, and Fabricaciones Militares (FM). "A new era begins: Argentina is also making a strong mark in space," the minister stated, highlighting that aerospace development "consolidates national scientific and technological growth and lays the foundation for continuing to make history."
Space momentum under Javier Milei's government
Since Javier Milei arrived at the Casa Rosada, the Argentine aerospace sector has received renewed momentum. Under Petri's leadership, the Ministry of Defense promoted an agenda aimed at recovering launch capability and innovation in defense technologies, with the collaboration of national scientific and technical agencies.
Argentina consolida su presencia espacial: la Fuerza Aérea lanzó con éxito el cohete sonda MET 2-SO 'CRUX'
The success of "CRUX" reinforces the Government's vision of repositioning Argentina as a relevant player in regional aerospace development, enhancing coordination between the Air Force, national industry, and the scientific-technological system.
