Brazil Reinforces Security of Europe's Space Launches With Strategic Base in Natal and Support to French Guiana

Brazil Reinforces Security of Europe’s Space Launches With Strategic Base in Natal and Support to French Guiana

Written by Caio Aviz

Published on 30/07/2025 at 13:30

Foguete decola da Guiana Francesa com rastreamento garantido por estações da ESA e pela base brasileira da Barreira do Inferno, em Natal

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Cooperation Between Brazil and Europe Ensures Global Tracking and Total Protection of Rockets Launched in 2024

Since 1970, Brazil has strengthened the success of the European Space Agency (ESA) by ensuring the safety of launches conducted in Kourou, French Guiana.
The Brazilian base directly contributed to the launch of the rocket Vega C, which placed the Biomass satellite into orbit.
The launch took place after the vehicle left the Guiana Space Center (CSG).
However, for the mission to occur without risks, the Barreira do Inferno station, located in Natal (RN), played an essential role in continuous tracking.
The base is operated by the CLBI, in partnership with the Brazilian Space Agency (AEB).
It maintains precise monitoring of the rocket’s trajectory even after leaving the launch area.

Global Stations Expand Coverage and Ensure Flights with Real-Time Precision

The parabolic antennas of the Galliot station, near the CSG, monitor the rocket during the first minutes of flight.
However, after 10 minutes, the mission depends on the operation of remote stations, such as those in the Bermuda and the city of Natal, which take over the tracking.
This tracking continues until the end of the mission.
As Jean-Frédéric Alasa, Operations Director at CNES (French Space Agency), explains, Arianespace controls the rocket.
CNES is responsible for the base and the safety of the entire flight.
The antennas spread around the world capture this telemetry data and send it back to Kourou.

Subsequently, the team processes the data with technical rigor.
This global cooperation network ensures that no failure escapes control.
This remains true even after hours of flight.

ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW

Brazil Operates Until the End of the Mission and Mitigates Risks with Advanced Tracking

In addition to controlling the flight, the mission also requires full attention to the safety of people, property, and the environment.
Therefore, if the rocket loses its course, the system acts precisely to prevent falls in populated areas.
The Brazilian Cleberson Miranda, born in French Guiana and with over 20 years at the station, highlights the importance of the work.
He states that the operation only ends when the mission is safely completed.
As he stated to RFI: “Even if the rocket goes off course, our telemetry system will act to ensure it does not pose a danger.”
Without the support from the base in Natal and other collaborations spread around the world, no European launch would be authorized to occur with the required safety.

Brazil Reinforces Security of Europe’s Space Launches With Strategic Base in Natal and Support to French Guiana

Cooperation Between Brazil and Europe Ensures Global Tracking and Total Protection of Rockets Launched in 2024

Global Stations Expand Coverage and Ensure Flights with Real-Time Precision

Brazil Operates Until the End of the Mission and Mitigates Risks with Advanced Tracking

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