On the occasion, the Institute presented outstanding projects developed at the ITA Space Center
Air Force Agency, ITA: Lieutenant Leonardo and Lieutenant Myrea Calazans
In November, the Technological Institute of Aeronautics (ITA) welcomed the Swedish Ambassador to Brazil, Karin Lovisa Wallensteen, on an institutional visit to learn about teaching, research and innovation initiatives in the aerospace sector. The Swedish delegation included astronaut and SAAB test pilot Marcus Hans Wandt, who shared his academic and professional experiences in a lecture for undergraduate and postgraduate students.
“The Brazilian Air Force already uses our Gripen fighters and I believe there is much more we can do together, including in areas such as space. Education is a way of deepening our cooperation and our intention is to intensify the exchange that already exists,” said Ambassador Wallensteen.
During the visit, ITA presented outstanding projects developed at the ITA Space Center (CEI), such as the ITASAT and SPORT nano-satellites, launched in 2018 and 2022 respectively, ITASAT 2, scheduled for launch in 2025, and SelenITA, scheduled for launch in 2028.
ITA’s Vice-Rector, Professor Emilia Villani, described the Institute’s participation in activities related to the bilateral cooperation agreement as positive. “Education is a powerful tool for development and partnerships like this benefit society as a whole. We are ready to strengthen this dialog and move forward with joint projects,” she said.
Also present on the occasion were the Head of the Administration Subdepartment of the Aerospace Science and Technology Department (DCTA), Air Brigadier Alexandre Daniel Pinheiro da Silva; the Head of the CEI, Air Captain Carlos Eduardo de Sá Amaral Oliveira; and the Head of the Aerospace Systems Department, Professor Luis Eduardo Vergueiro Loures da Costa.
Inspiration
Around 100 ITA undergraduate and postgraduate students attended the lecture “Beyond the horizon: space exploration and the future of aerospace technology”, given by Swedish astronaut Marcus Hans Wandt.
Selected as a member of the European Space Agency’s (ESA) astronaut reserve in November 2022, Wandt made history as the second Swedish astronaut to travel to the International Space Station (ISS) during the Axiom 3 Mission in January 2024. He also serves as a Special Advisor to the Swedish National Space Agency, supporting the development of Sweden’s aerospace capabilities.
“Marcus is very inspiring, I’m glad the students were able to listen to him and that they can be inspired, with a vision of a reality that for many is seen as impossible, which is not true,” commented Ambassador Wallensteen.
Photos: ITA