Brazil's first steps in the commercial space launch sector: what has been done in the past two years?
- Paper number
IAC-22,E3,IP,11,x68826
- Author
Ms. Michele Cristina Silva Melo, Brazil, Brazilian Space Agency (AEB)
- Coauthor
Ms. Thaís Pedrosa, Brazil, Brazilian Space Agency (AEB)
- Coauthor
Prof. Andrea Fellipe Cabello, Brazil, University of Brasilia
- Year
2022
- Abstract
Among developing countries, Brazil has been one of the pioneers to invest in space area and institutionalize it, recognizing the potential of the national territory to explore this sector. The Brazilian space program has been working to change the traditional mindset of the national space sector, to spread the New Space culture and environment, massively encouraging the private sector to participate. An important strategy in this new path is to establish itself as a launching country, by using and commercially opening Alcantara Space Center (CEA). The signing of the Technological Safeguards Agreement (TSA) between Brazil and the United States, enacted by Decree nº. 10.220/2020, aimed at protecting technologies, was a crucial step to enable commercial activities in the CEA, clearly signaling to the world the country’s interest in joining the niche of launch countries. Since the signing of the TSA, Brazil has already made two public calls for the use of the area. The result of the first call has already been announced and three North American and one Canadian companies were the winners. The second call is still in progress. Although the signing of the contracts is still pending, it is possible to realize the interest of foreign and national companies in using the center. The public calls seek companies that, besides developing their activities, also create opportunities for local advancements. Another initiative was the publication of the space regulations new edition by the Brazilian Space Agency. The regulations coincide with those used by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This initiative to standardize the regulations is important not only to systematize the documents required for launches licensing and authorization, but also to enable licenses exchange among launching centers around the world. However, these initiatives are not sufficient to create a sustainable business environment in the long term, even though they are fundamental to begin activities in the CEA. It is imperative to publish a Space Act, which would not only commercially organize the space sector, but also assure legal certainty to the participating companies. Moreover, it is necessary to establish a management model for the CEA, more connected to the commercial activities, aiding proper agility in decision-making, in order to create a competitive environment in the launching sector.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-22,E3,IP,11,x68826.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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