Overview
The Brazilian space technologies and systems sector has been growing due to the creation of a strategic relationship between Brazil and the United States. In March 2019, Brazil and the United States signed a Technology Safeguards Agreement that was ratified by the Brazilian Congress and entered into force in December 2019. This agreement allows the use of U.S. technology in space launches from Brazil, specifically the Alcantara Launch Center (CLA) in Northeast of Brazil, and although it has helped unlock bilateral commercial cooperation in a range of advanced technologies related to space, the Alcantara Launch Center has not yet seen a launch of a U.S. space company asset.
Several other agreements in the space sector were signed such as the Space Situational Awareness Agreement, in 2018, the CubeSat Agreement to Study Solar Physics, Scintillation Prediction Observations Research Task - SPORT – in 2019, the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space Cooperation Agreement in 2011 and the Artemis Accords signed in 2021.
The Brazilian space technology and systems market focus primarily on the development of communication and earth observation satellites, the commercial use of the Alcantara Launch Center in the State of Maranhão, as well as the development and launch of CubeSats. Leading subsectors
There are significant opportunities for U.S. business to supply the needs of the Brazilian space technology and systems. Leading subsectors that represent the best opportunities for U.S. suppliers of the space technology industry in Brazil include:
- Sensors and data analysis tools for space-based observations,
- Space propulsion,
- Advanced space vehicle power generation,
- Space vehicle thermal management
- Space communication systems, networks, and ground stations
- Space launch and safety technologies
Opportunities
Launch Services
Located in the Northeast of Brazil, in the State of Maranhão, the Alcantara Space Center is the closest launching base to the equator, giving significant launching advantages. The Space Center is operated by the Brazilian Air Force in partnership with the Brazilian Space Agency who is responsible for the commercial use of the Center. In 2020, the Brazilian Space Agency opened two public calls to identify companies, domestic or foreign, that were interested in carrying out suborbital and orbital launch operations using the Alcantara Space Center. Future public calls for the commercialization of new space areas for commercial use at the Space center are anticipated to be published in 2025.
In 2024, Brazil approved a bill that created the new state-owned enterprise (SOE) “Alada”, aimed at expanding Brazil’s role in the growing global space sector and increasing the Alcantara Launch Center’s launch capacity. Alada will be a subsidiary of NAV Brasil, an air navigation services SOE linked to the Ministry of Defense. Alada’s responsibilities include air navigation knowledge production, commercial consultancy, technology management, and support for the Brazilian Airspace Control System. It will also be responsible for launches from the Alcantara Launch Center in the state of Maranhão.
Satellites
TELEBRAS, Brazil’s public telecom company together with other Brazilian government entities such as the Ministry of Communication, Ministry of Defense, Brazilian Air Force and the Cabinet of Institution Security at the Presidency of Republic is coordinating the selection and implementation of upcoming defense and communications satellite. TELEBRAS has been working on a Request for Information (RFI) for the Defense and Communications Satellite (“SDC 2”) project. The project foresees the acquisition of one medium-size satellite for the Brazilian Armed Forces and two small communications satellites for civil use to support the Brazilian Government program “Programa Internet Banda Larga” in public schools and hospitals, specifically in the North and Northeast of Brazil, regions with less infrastructure and where laying fiber optic internet cables is not feasible.
Space Systems Strategic Program (PESE)
The Brazilian Air Force coordinates the Space Systems Strategic Program (PESE) that foresees the development and launch of six LEO satellite and three GEO satellites plus the development of a control ground station, reception and data processing system, providing ground observation, telecommunications, geo-positioning, and monitoring capabilities to the Armed Forces. PESE will support several existing military operation systems such Amazonia Management System (SisGAAz), Border Integrated Monitoring System (SISFRON), Brazilian Aerospace Defense System (SISABRA), among others. PESE development and implementation is subject to budget availability and may suffer delays. U.S. companies must be prepared for a long and complex bidding process. In addition to the ever-present desire for offsets, U.S. firms must be prepared to transfer technology (subject to pertinent export control regulations) and oftentimes engage in a long-term partnership with the Brazilian aerospace and defense industry for the co-development and local production of components, parts, and assembly.
CubeSats
Brazilian Government entities such as Aeronautical Technologic Institute (ITA), Brasilia University, Santa Maria Federal University, National Institute of Space Research (INPE) and others has been developing CubeSats projects for the past years and likely will continue soon. Brazilian Universities and Institutes developing CubeSat requires parts and components such as payloads controller, digital radio receiver, propulsion systems and others. Acquisitions are made through public bids.
Resources
Principal entities working on the Brazilian space technology system sector and trade shows are:
Brazilian Government:
Trade Associations
ABIMDE – Brazilian Defense and Security Industries Association
AIAB – Aerospace Industries Association of Brazil
COMDEFESA/ FIESP – Department of Defense and Security / State of Sao Paulo Industry Federation
Trade Shows
For more information, please contact U.S. Commercial Service Industry Specialist Daniele Andrews: Daniele.Andrews@trade.gov