Brasília - The President of the Brazilian Space Agency (AEB), Sérgio Gaudenzi, spoke yesterday (28) about new developments in Brazil's Space Program, for which the government will disburse US$ 11.7 million (R$ 36 million). His news included the planned launch of a satellite launcher from the base in Alcântara, in the Northeast region, in 2006, and the missile-launching project in collaboration with Ukrania.

"The Aeronautics center is already taking care of the missile itself, and in 2006, as is scheduled, we shall send our launch vehicle into space," declared the President of the AEB.

Gaudenzi also referred to the interest that the Alcântara base has awakened in various countries with space programs, such as Ukrania, Russia, and the US. "We enjoy a privileged situation for launches. The Alcântara Base is unequalled in the world; it is located almost right on the line of the Equator and has a 12-month window (the possibility of launches all year-round). So, the Alcântara Base really represents a privilege bestowed on us by nature, and we have to take advantage of it," Gaudenzi affirms.

According to Gaudenzi, Ukrania, China, the United States, and Russia will participate in the new phase of the Alcântara Satellite Launching Center, in the state of Maranhão. The initial launch in this new phase is scheduled for 2006, with a SLV (Satellite Launching Vehicle), capable of carrying "a lighter load." The launching of a satellite that is "heavier and placed in a higher orbit," according to Gaudenzi, should occur "around 2008." Brazil and Ukrania have already signed an agreement that awaits Congressional approval in the two countries. The agreement is for the Cyclone-IV satellite, which will require Ukrania to construct a special base. "Each launcher needs a different platform," the new President of the AEB explained. He said that he believes the agreement will be ratified in August and will permit the creation of a binational company.

Gaudenzi assured that "there are very good signs that we shall also be able to reach the same kind of agreement" with the United States. And he pointed out that the Brazilian space industry is already involved in supplying "some components" and its logotype appears on Nasa's satellite launching platforms.

Another country interested in taking part in launches at Alcântara is Russia, with which there exists a "great and concrete possibility of a space agreement." The President of the AEB explained that "the area in Alcântara is large and can contain various sites, which is why we can obtain cooperation from various countries."

Regarding China, a country with which Brazil has already launched two satellites in the Cbers series, Gaudenzi informed that the third will be launched "in 2007 or 2008" but that the Cbers-IV will depart from the Alcântara Launching Base. In September, he said, there will be a meeting in Beijing to work out the final details.

Agência Brasil
Reporter: Eduardo Mamcasz
Translator: David Silberstein
07/29/2004