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Brazil aerospace and space program development

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2026-09-16 02:02 UTC → 2026-09-21 04:28 UTC · added removed

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’ is being was conducted at the Barreira do Inferno Launch Center in Parnamirim, Rio Grande do Norte, between August 31 and Norte. On September 19, 2026. This mission specifically focuses on validating 15, 2026, Brazil launched the VS-30 V16 sounding rocket to qualify the parachute recovery system of under real flight conditions. The mission carries the PSM-R, ensuring the platform can return which is designed to Earth via parachute after reaching altitudes of approximately 100 kilometers. The operation involves approximately 160 military re-enter the atmosphere and civilian personnel. The splash down in the Atlantic Ocean for retrieval by specialists. To stabilize the rocket's rotation before the platform separates, the mission carries utilizes a 401 kg payload, including radiation biodosimeters and lyophilized microorganisms, ‘yoyo’ system, which uses small masses on cables to study modify the effects of space environments. Successful qualification system's moment of this recovery system is intended to allow Brazilian universities and companies to perform more frequent suborbital launches inertia. Developed by enabling the physical retrieval AEB, IAE, and analysis of experimental materials, rather than relying solely on telemetry. During Orbital Engenharia, the operation, successful recovery of the VS-30 V16 sounding rocket—measuring approximately 9 meters in length and weighing about 1.6 tons—was launched platform aims to qualify the parachute system under real flight conditions, as descent stresses cannot be fully replicated in ground tests. enable equipment reuse, reduce launch intervals, and lower operational costs for scientific and technological experiments.

Versions

  1. 2026-09-21 04:28 UTC Brazil aerospace and space program development
  2. 2026-09-16 02:02 UTC Brazil aerospace and space program development
  3. 2026-09-06 14:13 UTC Brazil aerospace and space program development
  4. 2026-09-05 20:43 UTC Brazil aerospace and space program development
  5. 2026-09-05 15:46 UTC Brazil aerospace and space program development

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