Meeting ratified the implementation of SIPAE within COPE and marked the beginning of joint activities between Defense and TELEBRAS
Air Force Agency
On December 5, the Space Operations Center (COPE – Centro de Operações Espaciais), under the Aerospace Operations Command (COMAE – Comando de Operações Aeroespaciais), held the first Safety Day, an exclusive event aimed at increasing Space Operational Safety. The initiative brought together instructors from the Center for Investigation and Prevention of Aeronautical Accidents (CENIPA – Centro de Investigação e Prevenção de Acidentes Aeronáuticos), TELEBRAS Area Managers and collaborators and Operators of the Space Systems controlled and monitored by COPE, including military personnel from the Brazilian Navy (MB), the Brazilian Army (EB) and the Brazilian Air Force (FAB).
During the event, participants attended lectures on the System for the Investigation and Prevention of Accidents in Space Activities (SIPAE), the Space Operational Safety Mentality, Corporate Resource Management (CRM) and Accident Prevention Management. The program also included the first Line Oriented Flight Training (LOFT) exercise aimed exclusively at satellite operations.
The meeting ratified the implementation of SIPAE, within the scope of COPE, and marked the beginning of joint activities between Defense and TELEBRAS, aimed at preventing accidents in space activities. At the opening of the event, the Head of COPE, Air Brigadier Éric Cézzane Cólen Guedes, highlighted the relevance of the topic. “This first COPE Safety Day is important because it is another step towards increasing resilience in space operations. TELEBRAS’ participation enriches the event, integrating civilian and military operations in favor of the safety of space operations,” emphasized the General Officer.
TELEBRAS’ Satellite Engineering and Operations Manager, Sebastião do Nascimento Neto, also stressed the importance of working together to minimize risks and promote operational efficiency. “Another important factor addressed is the need for communication procedures between the teams, which can provide interaction and discussion of relevant points, in order to carry out operational activities successfully and minimize risks,” he said.
The event reinforced the commitment of COPE and TELEBRAS to safety in space operations and established a milestone in the integration of civilian and military operations for the protection of Brazilian satellite assets.
SIPAE – a milestone in the prevention of space accidents
Created by Law 14,946 of July 31, 2024, SIPAE’s sole purpose is to prevent accidents in space activities in Brazil. In the FAB, the system was instituted by GABAER Ordinance No. 1,486 of August 8, 2024, which designated CENIPA as the central body responsible for its coordination.
Photos: Private F. Vasconcelos / COMAE