Brazil tests suborbital platform for microgravity research

Brazil is conducting Operação Potiguar 2 at the Barreira do Inferno Launch Center in Rio Grande do Norte to test the recovery system of the Recoverable Suborbital Microgravity Platform (PSM-R). The mission, scheduled to run through September 19, aims to validate the platform's ability to return to Earth via parachute after reaching altitudes of approximately 100 kilometers.

The platform will be launched by the VS-30 V16 sounding vehicle, developed by the Aeronautics and Space Institute (IAE). The rocket is approximately 9 meters long and weighs about 1.6 tons. The mission carries a 401 kg payload, including radiation biodosimeters and lyophilized microorganisms, to study the effects of space environments.

Successful recovery will allow scientists to analyze physical materials and biological samples post-flight, rather than relying solely on telemetry. This capability supports research in fields such as space agriculture, medicine, fluid dynamics, combustion, and material science. The operation involves approximately 160 military and civilian personnel.