Brasília, 4/1/2004 (Agência Brasil) - The Superior Council of the Brazilian Space Agency (AEB) met yesterday and in a note following the meeting declared that without investments the country's space program will not be able to continue. The note added, "...if the program cannot obtain a minimum of results for Brazil, it is better to close it down."

The council examined measures to restart the program, saying that they were expecting to receive R$106 million (US$30 million) earmarked for the satellite launch vehicle program and outstanding commitments with Ukraine.

"That amount is realistic in light of the situation in Brazil, although it is a very modest amount compared to what other countries are spending," declared the president of the AEB, Luiz Bevilacqua.

Meanwhile, Nelson Cabral, who represents the Ministry of Communications on the AEB council, suggested finding other sources for financing, such as telecommunications funds (the Fistel or Funtel, for example).

The AEB council decided to create work groups with participants from the industrial sector, the academic community and specialists to accompany its launch vehicle, satellite and infrastructure programs. According to Walter Bartels, the director of the Aerospace Industry Association (Aiab), Brazil has the skilled manpower necessary for its space program. But he suggested the AEB leave manufacturing to the industrial sector and concentrate on research.

The AEB Superior Council also studied the report on the August 2003 accident at the Alcantara launch center when a satellite launch vehicle (VLS) exploded killing more than 20 people. (Translator: Allen Bennett)