São Luis, November 24, 2003 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - A delegation of Brazilian and Ukranian technical experts and engineers is gathered at the Missile Launching Center in Alcântara, Maranhão, to conduct studies on the specific infrastructure that needs to be erected for the Alcântara Cyclone Space (ACS) joint venture to function with the Cyclone IV missile at the Alcântara Launching Center.

It is expected that all the construction necessary for the operation of the Cyclone IV will be ready by December, 2006, and that the test flight will be carried out the following year. Also planned, in addition to the construction of the Cyclone IV, are the construction of a general cargo port, roads, and electricity transmission lines, and the recovery of a large part of the Center's Military Sector, to house technical personnel who will make the launch operational.

An area of 1000 meters by 800 meters has already been chosen to serve as a shelter for the launching platform and the buildings for the preparation, operation, and storage of the Cyclone IV missile. This reserved area is located two kilometers to the north of the VLS-1 launching site.

Two months ago Saturday (22), Brazil was stunned by the explosion of the Launching Platform at Alcântara, resulting in the death of 22 technicians. (DAS)