Nicaragua looks to the stars

• The new ministry seems to be an attempt to attract funding through purported scientific and satellite development, Nicaraguan analysts say.
• Ortega’s regime is sanctioned by the U.S. for its repression of the mass protests.

The bigger picture: The Nicaraguan government faces a May deadline from the Organization of American States to implement electoral reforms.

• This is amid uproar from a law that would bar opposition candidates in November’s upcoming presidential vote and calls to free over 100 people deemed political prisoners.