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[SITUATION] · [ACTIVE] · [TECHNOLOGY]

4 clusters · 24 sources · 26 days · First seen · Last updated

Brazil aerospace and space program development

Overview

Brazil is advancing its aerospace capabilities through several key projects. The MLBR rocket, led by CENIC and supported by Finep, has received ‘Carteira de Habilitação’ certification from the Brazilian Space Agency (AEB). This milestone facilitates its integration into the National Program of Space Activities (PNAE), with the goal of achieving an orbital launch for small satellites by 2027.

In parallel, testing is underway for the Suborbital Microgravity Platform (PSM-R) at the Barreira do Inferno Launch Center. Utilizing the VS-30 V16 rocket developed by the Institute of Aeronautics and Space (IAE), the platform aims to reach altitudes exceeding 100 kilometers to provide microgravity conditions for scientific research. Current tests involve carrying lyophilized microorganisms and radiation biodosimeters to evaluate space environment effects, while also validating a parachute-based recovery system for physical sample retrieval.

Building on these efforts, ‘Operation Potiguar 2’ was conducted at the Barreira do Inferno Launch Center in Parnamirim, Rio Grande do Norte. On September 15, 2026, Brazil launched the VS-30 V16 sounding rocket to qualify the parachute recovery system under real flight conditions. The mission carries the PSM-R, which is designed to re-enter the atmosphere and splash down in the Atlantic Ocean for retrieval by specialists. To stabilize the rocket's rotation before the platform separates, the mission utilizes a ‘yoyo’ system, which uses small masses on cables to modify the system's moment of inertia. Developed by the AEB, IAE, and Orbital Engenharia, the successful recovery of the platform aims to enable equipment reuse, reduce launch intervals, and lower operational costs for scientific and technological experiments.

Entities

Barreira do Inferno Launch Center · Brazil · Brazilian Air Force · Brazilian Space Agency · Aeronautics and Space Institute

Timeline

  1. 4 days ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 2 sources
    Brazil launches VS-30 V16 rocket for microgravity research

    Brazil launched the VS-30 V16 rocket to carry a microgravity platform above 100 km for scientific research, with a planned parachute recovery in the Atlantic Ocean.

  2. 9 days ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 4 sources
    Brazil launches rocket to test suborbital recovery system

    Brazil launched a VS-30 V16 rocket to test a parachute recovery system for the Recoverable Suborbital Microgravity Platform (PSM-R) during Operação Potiguar 2.

  3. 20 days ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 17 sources
    Brazil tests suborbital platform for microgravity research

    Brazil is testing the recovery system of its Recoverable Suborbital Microgravity Platform (PSM-R) using the VS-30 V16 rocket to enable scientific research in space environments.

  4. 30 days ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 3 sources
    MLBR rocket advances toward 2027 orbital launch in Brazil

    Brazil's MLBR rocket has received certification from the Brazilian Space Agency, marking a major step toward its planned 2027 orbital launch for small satellites.

Sources

98fmnatal.com.br · acessa.com · agenciacomunas.com.ar · brasil247.com · brasilemfolhas.com.br · bsbtimes.com.br · canaltech.com.br · cenariomt.com.br · ciencia.estadao.com.br · grupoparanacomunicacao.com.br · informa1.com.br · maranhaodagente.com.br · mrnews.com.br · mundogeo.com · noticiaja.com · odiariodebarretos.com.br · olhardigital.uol.com.br · paraonline.com.br · planetaosasco.com · prensa-latina.cu · reporterbrasilia.com.br · revistavigor.com.br · teleSURtv.net · viagemegastronomia.com.br

This summary has been updated 4 times: see revision history