Rio, 9/9/2003 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - Minister of Science and Technology, Roberto Amaral, says that so far there is no news from the investigation of the explosion of the Satellite Launch Vehicle (VLS) which occurred at the Alcântara Launch Center in Maranhão. According to the minister, the accident will not affect Brazil's plans to move ahead with its space program which includes launches and the manufacture of satellites. "It was an accident. We are awaiting a report from the investigation that will enable us to make corrections and advance with our space program which, in accordance with a decision by the president [Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva], will include the launch of a VLS-4 during his term of office," said Amaral. (AB)