The US will have the largest presence at FIDAE 2024, with astronaut Mike Bloomfield promoting collaboration in aerospace and STEM education
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| Mike Bloomfield will represent US aerospace industry and STEM education at FIDAE 2024, Latin America's top airshow. Image: Taylor Kammerman |
Mike Bloomfield, a former NASA Space Shuttle Commander, will attend FIDAE 2024, Latin America’s premier airshow, next month as a goodwill ambassador for the U.S. aerospace industry and STEM education.
Bloomfield will participate in various events at FIDAE, including introducing Chile’s third group of Endeavour Scholarship recipients and addressing members of the Colegio de Ingenieros de Chile, the national engineering trade association.
The Endeavour Scholarship, named after Apollo 15 astronaut Al Worden, provides an all-expenses paid trip to Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama for high school students interested in STEM fields.
The program aims to inspire students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
“Every country needs a STEM-educated workforce,” said Bloomfield. “The United States and Chile have a unique opportunity to excite, inspire, and train our young people to succeed in STEM careers.”
Bloomfield’s visit to FIDAE is part of a broader effort by the U.S. to strengthen ties with Chile and promote collaboration in the aerospace industry. The United States will have the largest international presence at FIDAE this year.
Bloomfield’s participation in FIDAE is particularly significant as it coincides with the 30th anniversary of the USA Partnership Pavilion at the airshow.
This pavilion serves as a platform for American companies to showcase their latest technologies and developments in the aerospace sector.
The presence of a distinguished figure like Bloomfield is expected to generate further interest and foster new partnerships between U.S. and Chilean aerospace firms.
Furthermore, Bloomfield’s visit aligns with Chile’s growing ambitions in the space industry. The country has recently established its own space agency and is actively involved in international space exploration projects.
Bloomfield’s experience and insights can be valuable for Chilean aerospace professionals and students as they look to develop their nation’s capabilities in this rapidly advancing field.