The course featured nationally and internationally recognized instructors presenting real-life situations from their professional experience
Air Force Agency – CENIPA, by Lieutenant Luana
In response to the demands of the aerospace sector, the Aerospace Operations Command (COMAE), the Department of Aerospace Science and Technology (DCTA) and the Aeronautical Accident Investigation and Prevention Center (CENIPA) held the first Space Occurrence Investigation Course (CIOE) from September 11 to December 1.
Participants included 13 military personnel from the Brazilian Air Force (FAB), one civilian from the Alcântara Launch Center (CLA), one civilian from the Aeronautics and Space Institute (IAE) and two civilians from the Brazilian Space Agency (AEB), as well as instructors from CENIPA, IAE, the Space Operations Center (COPE) and the Commission for the Coordination and Deployment of Space Systems (CCISE).
The course provided specific knowledge for carrying out investigations into space incidents in the Brazilian state and was structured in a hybrid model with theoretical, face-to-face and distance learning classes, as well as practical classes such as the monitored and evaluated investigation stage.
In the theoretical phase, the CIOE provided instruction on the Space Scenario, Rocket Technology, Satellites and Occurrence Investigation Techniques. In the practical phase, the students were encouraged to apply the knowledge they had acquired by carrying out an investigation into a simulated space incident.
The head of CENIPA, Air Brigadier Marcelo Moreno, lectured on the use of investigations to prevent new occurrences, giving the students an in-depth understanding of the processes and guidelines for investigations conducted by the Center.
The course featured nationally and internationally recognized instructors presenting real-life situations from their professional experience. This approach allowed participants to apply the concepts learned effectively, as highlighted by Chemical and Safety Engineer Mauro Melo Dolinsky, who spoke about “Occurrences in Launch Operations”.
“The course initiative was excellent. I’ve taken part in dozens of launch operations and have experienced and helped investigate many incidents. I believe that the systematization that CENIPA will establish, enriched by its experience in air accidents, will greatly facilitate the work of the commissions,” commented Mauro Melo Dolinsky.
Doctor Ariovaldo Félix Palmério, who has a degree in Engineering and Mechanical Sciences from the Virginia Polytechnic Institute (USA), was a speaker at the course on the subject of “Space Vehicle Development” and expressed his satisfaction at taking part in the event, highlighting the honor of contributing to the expansion of space activities in Brazil.
Ian Grosner, a specialist in Aeronautical and Space Law, spoke about “Space Law”. “Brazil can bring good practices from the aeronautical field to the space sector, since our country has the potential to build a strong and advanced regulation that can provide adequate responses when necessary,” he said.
Finally, Air Brigadier Moreno stressed the importance of CENIPA in dealing with the vast and complex domain of space. “Due to our extensive experience in preventing and investigating air accidents, the Air Force General Staff, in order to meet the operational needs of the Alcântara Space Center, appointed CENIPA to coordinate and conduct the investigation of accidents that occur during space launches from national territory. In addition to our already well-known duties, we spent 18 months of intense and selfless work drafting the new standards and putting together the first Space Occurrence Investigation Course, representing a notable advance in the training of professionals, demonstrating CENIPA’s solid commitment to safety and continuous improvement in the aerospace sphere,” said the General Officer.
Photos: Petty Officer Flávio/ CENIPA *** Translated by DEFCONPress FYI Team ***