During the event, the Commander of the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) presented the capabilities of the Alcântara Space Center (CEA) and discussed partnership possibilities
In the march towards complete mastery of space, this Friday (20), the Commander of the Brazilian Air Force (FAB), Air Lieutenant Brigadier Carlos de Almeida Baptista Junior, presented the capabilities of the Alcântara Space Center (CEA), to American businessman Elon Musk, owner of Tesla and SpaceX. The meeting took place during the “Conecta Amazônia” event, organized by the Ministry of Communications, which was also attended by the President of the Republic, Jair Bolsonaro, among other civil and military authorities.
In this opportunity, Lieutenant Brigadier Baptista Junior stressed that the Alcântara Space Center is ready to receive launch vehicles from commercial companies, such as SpaceX, and explained the advantages associated with the CEA’s operation, such as: the proximity to the sea, the location of approximately 2º18′ south of the Equator, which enables launches in polar and equatorial orbits; low population density; absence of incidences of earthquakes and hurricanes; low density of air and sea traffic; and an ideal location for on-demand launches (responsive launches).
Development of remote sensing satellites
On the occasion, it was also discussed the possibility of a partnership for the development and operation of low orbit remote sensing satellites, in order to support the protection operations of the Brazilian Amazon.
According to the Aeronautics Commander, SpaceX could contribute to the preservation of the environment, invest in carbon credits, and help protect Brazil’s Native Communities. “In addition, launch operations could be carried out from Brazilian territory,” he added.
SpaceX
SpaceX is a leader in the global commercial launch market and could become a partner in space vehicle launch operations from Brazilian territory. The company has also been selected to send to space the Lessonia sensing satellites, which will be operated by the Brazilian Air Force.
During the event, businessman Elon Musk, owner of SpaceX, was awarded the Order of Merit medal by the Ministry of Defense.
Space Monitoring System
Another area of interest for the Brazilian Air Force is the installation of a Space Monitoring System, in order to improve the security of satellite operations. A network of sensors, operated by the FAB, for monitoring, from the southern hemisphere, the Brazilian government’s satellite fleet, as well as the SpaceX company’s satellite fleet.
According to Lieutenant Brigadier Baptista Junior, this monitoring data from commercial satellites would be shared with the international community, following UN protocols on the use of outer space, collaborating with global awareness of the space situation.
“Brazil would like to establish a partnership for the technological development of launch vehicles. The Brazilian Air Force has an Institute of Aeronautics and Space (IAE) for technological exchange. A partnership for the development and operation of a constellation of low orbit remote sensing satellites to support the protection operations of the Brazilian Amazon would be very opportune,” the General Officer explained.
Window to Space
The Alcântara Space Center consists of a set of goods and services used to launch commercial space vehicles in national territory, providing the necessary infrastructure to support the specific activities of launch companies.
In attendance to space exploration, the CEA is able to provide logistical support, integration and final tests of the payload, launch of space objects, weather forecasting, data collection via telemetry, tracking, command and control system and other technologies.
Agência Força Aérea, por Tenente Flávia Rocha *** Translated by Defconpress