INVAP S.E.: Argentina's Leader in Aerospace and Nuclear Technology
INVAP S.E. is a premier Argentine government-owned corporation specializing in the design, integration, and construction of high-complexity equipment and plants. Headquartered in San Carlos de Bariloche, the company serves as a global provider of advanced technological solutions across the aerospace, nuclear energy, communications, and defense sectors.
Founded on September 1, 1976, as a spin-off of the Argentine Atomic Energy Commission's research laboratories division, the name INVAP is a portmanteau of investigación aplicada (applied research). Today, the company employs approximately 1,700 people, 80% of whom are highly skilled professionals and specialists. Its global footprint extends across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa.
Key Facts
- Ownership: Solely owned by the Province of Río Negro.
- Recognition: Recipient of the Diamond Konex Award in 2018 as Argentina's most important business.
- Aerospace Milestone: First Latin American company certified by NASA to supply space technologies.
- Nuclear Expertise: Global provider of research reactors and radioisotope production facilities.
- Workforce: Approximately 1,700 employees, with a heavy concentration of specialists.
Aerospace and Satellite Development
INVAP has established itself as a pioneer in Latin American space technology, providing comprehensive services including design, development, mission control, and operational support. The company is well-known for the SAC (Satelites de Aplicación Científica) family of satellites, developed for the Argentine space agency CONAE.
A landmark achievement was the launch of the SAC-D on June 9, 2011. This satellite carried several scientific payloads, most notably NASA's $100 million Aquarius project, designed to measure ocean salinity.
Beyond scientific research, INVAP has ventured into communications. ARSAT-1, the first communications satellite entirely built in Argentina, was launched in 2014, followed by ARSAT-2 in September 2015.
Nuclear Energy and Research
In the nuclear sector, INVAP specializes in the full lifecycle of nuclear facilities, from the design and construction of research reactors to the development of uranium enrichment facilities and radioisotope production plants. They also provide critical consultancy on reactor core reshuffling and laser isotope separation.
The company's portfolio includes the CAREM reactors, intended for power generation and the propulsion of future Argentine Nuclear Powered Submarines (SNA). Internationally, INVAP has won prestigious tenders, including the 2018 contract for a medical radioisotope production facility and research reactor in the Netherlands (the PALLAS project).
In 2010, in collaboration with CITEDEF, INVAP developed a laser-based method to remove radioactive components from heavy water used in reactor cooling systems.
Global Nuclear Reactor Installations
| Country | Location | Reactor Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Algeria | Algiers | NUR | Sold to Haut Commisariat pour la Recherche |
| Argentina | Bariloche / Pilcaniyeu / Zárate | RA-6, RA-8, CAREM | Developed for CNEA |
| Australia | Sydney | OPAL | Sold to ANSTO |
| Egypt | Cairo | ETRR-2 | Sold to Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority |
| Peru | Lima / Huarangal | RP-0, RP-10 | Nuclear instrumentation for IPEN |
| Netherlands | Petten | PALLAS | For Pallas foundation |
Diversified Technological Projects
INVAP's expertise extends into various civilian and military applications, demonstrating a versatile approach to engineering.
Civilian Infrastructure
- Digital Television: Design and implementation of the Argentine public terrestrial digital TV project (TDA).
- Environmental Monitoring: Systems for the early detection of forest fires.
- Aviation Safety: Development of INKAN (Radar Secundario Monopulso Argentino) 2D radars for air traffic control via ANAC.
- Industrial Solutions: Dry-freeze plants for food preservation, petrochemical plants, and wind power projects.
Military and Defense
- Naval Systems: Sonar systems, battle management systems for Meko 360 destroyers and MEKO 140 frigates, and hangar doors for the destroyer Hércules.
- Aerial Surveillance: FLIR systems for P-3 Orion aircraft and synthetic aperture radar for Beechcraft Super King Air aircraft.
- Air Force Support: 3D radar prototypes and maritime patrol simulators.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name INVAP stand for?
INVAP is a portmanteau of the Spanish words investigación aplicada, which translates to "applied research" in English.
Who owns INVAP S.E.?
INVAP is an unlisted private company solely owned by the government of the Province of Río Negro in Argentina.
What is the significance of the SAC-D satellite?
The SAC-D was a scientific satellite launched in 2011 that carried the Aquarius project, a $100 million NASA initiative designed to measure the salinity of the world's oceans.
Which international nuclear projects has INVAP completed?
INVAP has constructed and installed nuclear reactors in several countries, including Australia (OPAL), Algeria (NUR), Egypt (ETRR-2), and the Netherlands (PALLAS).
Does INVAP work on military technology?
Yes, INVAP provides various defense solutions, including sonar systems, battle management systems for naval vessels, and advanced radar systems for the Argentine Air Force and Navy.