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U.S. Report Warns That China Is Expanding Satellite Network and Space Infrastructure in Latin America, Including Brazil.
A report released by a U.S. House committee states that China is expanding a strategic network of space infrastructure in Latin America, including satellite-related facilities on Brazilian territory.
The document, recently presented in Washington, suggests that these structures could have dual-use—civilian and military—and serve to monitor international adversaries.
According to the report, at least 11 space facilities in Latin America are directly or indirectly linked to China’s space strategy. The cited countries include Brazil, Argentina, Venezuela, Bolivia, and Chile. The goal, according to American investigators, would be to enhance orbital observation capacity and collect strategic data.
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The issue gained prominence as it involves scientific cooperation, satellite technology, and geopolitical disputes between China and the U.S. over control of space infrastructure in the Western Hemisphere.
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China’s Space Infrastructure Concerns U.S. Authorities
The report was published by the U.S. House Select Committee on Strategic Competition Between the U.S. and the Chinese Communist Party, consisting of 23 lawmakers from different parties.
According to the document, the expansion of Chinese space infrastructure in Latin America could reduce American influence in the region and strengthen the global monitoring system based on satellites.
In a statement released to the press, the committee’s chair, Republican Representative John Moolenaar, said:
“Much of everyday American life depends on satellites in the skies above us, which is why China’s space operations are a serious concern. China is investing in space operations in Latin America solely to advance its agenda and undermine the presence of the United States in space.”
The lawmaker also added that U.S. allies should act to limit the expansion of this technological network in the region.
Satellite Network and Space Stations in Latin America
The investigation claims that Beijing has developed an integrated network of ground stations, radio telescopes, and satellite tracking systems distributed throughout Latin America.
According to the report, these facilities are part of the foundation of the Chinese remote sensing network and could provide strategic advantages.
“These facilities are not merely isolated scientific projects. Instead, these sites form an integrated dual-use network, strengthening China’s capacity to monitor, control, and potentially disrupt the space and military operations of adversaries,” stated the document.
Additionally, lawmakers assert that the presence of these structures would allow real-time data transmission, extended communication range with satellites, and reduced delays in orbital transmissions.
Satellite Station in Brazil Draws U.S. Attention
Among the cases cited in the report is the so-called Tucano Ground Station, supposedly located in Bahia.
According to the American document, the facility was planned as a partnership between the Brazilian company Alya Space and the Chinese company Beijing Tianlian Space Technology.
The report states that a memorandum between the companies would allow for exchange of operational data between antenna networks and enhancement of civil and military space systems.
Investigators also mention an agreement with the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) that would include military training in orbital simulations and use of the institution’s antennas for technical support.
For American lawmakers, this type of cooperation could pave the way for foreign influence in Brazil’s space strategy.
Brazilian Company Denies Connection to Chinese Military Project
The founder of Alya Space, Aila Raquel, challenged the conclusions of the U.S. report.
According to her, the agreement mentioned in the document was merely a Preliminary Memorandum of Understanding, which never evolved into a commercial partnership.
“What occurred was only the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), a preliminary tool used to evaluate potential technical cooperation. This MOU did not evolve into a definitive contract, did not lead to a joint venture or commercial operation, and its validity has already expired.”
She also stated that the ground station does not yet have physical facilities and that the project is in the licensing phase with Anatel.
According to the executive, once built, the station will be under the exclusive control of the Brazilian company, with no Chinese participation.
Brazilian Project Plans Constellation with More Than 200 Satellites
Alya Space also explained that it is developing a constellation of 216 satellites in low Earth orbit.
These satellites would be used primarily for civilian applications, such as environmental monitoring, sustainable agriculture, and territorial analysis.
According to the company, the collected data will serve for environmental management, energy, climate change, and strategic planning, with no military purpose.
The executive emphasized that the company’s activities comply with national legislation and international standards in the space sector.
Space Laboratory in Paraíba Also Appears in the Report
Another point cited by the U.S. is a scientific project in the Serra do Urubu, in the hinterlands of Paraíba.
The report mentions the Joint China-Brazil Laboratory for Radio Astronomy and Technology, resulting from cooperation between Chinese institutions and Brazilian universities.
The center would involve researchers from the Federal University of Paraíba (UFPB) and the Federal University of Campina Grande (UFCG).
According to the American document, the laboratory may develop technologies for deep space observation, but it could also have military applications.
The report claims that similar systems could intercept military radar signals, satellite telemetry, and other strategic communications.
Brazilian Universities Defend Scientific Cooperation
UFPB stated that the agreements signed with Chinese institutions are part of international scientific cooperation.
According to the university, the projects are still in the initial phase, and there is no ongoing research program related to the claims made in the report.
The institution also highlighted that the partnership aims to develop technologies in areas such as clean energy, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, agriculture, and robotic engineering.
U.S. Calls for Review of Space Cooperation with Countries in the Region
In the conclusions of the report, the American congressional committee recommends that the U.S. review space cooperation agreements with countries hosting space infrastructure linked to China.
Among the suggestions is a detailed analysis by NASA of international projects involving satellites and space technology in Latin America.
Lawmakers also suggest updating the so-called Wolf Amendment, an American law that limits direct space cooperation between the U.S. and China.
According to the document, the ultimate goal would be to halt the expansion of Chinese space infrastructure in the Western Hemisphere and reduce risks to American security.
Parece que os EEUU estão com medo da evolução de países do terceiro mundo. Ou é só impressão????