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Maranhão Is on the Radars of the Brazilian Space Program and Will Receive Million-Dollar Investments. MCTI Announces the Construction of a New Project Focused on Space Exploration.
Through the National Fund for Scientific and Technological Development (FNDCT) and the Financing Agency for Studies and Projects (Finep), the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI) is investing in consolidating Maranhão as a strategic center of the Brazilian Space Program, with the Alcântara Launch Center as the base for space exploration.
Maranhão Is Developing a New Small Launch Vehicle
As part of this effort, Luciana Santos, MCTI minister, had a busy schedule in the capital São Luís, where she visited the facilities of the Aerospace Propulsion Laboratory (Acrux Aerospace) at the Federal University of Maranhão (UFMA) and attended the announcement of a new small satellite launch vehicle.
According to the minister, who was alongside Carlos Brandão, governor of Maranhão, and UFMA’s rector, Fernando Carvalho Silva, this area is part of the Brazilian Space Program and National Defense Strategy, which has a privileged position at the Alcântara Base. This not only generates a new reality but also boosts the state’s economy.
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A new Small Launch Vehicle (SLV) project is being developed by researchers and partners from UFMA, contracted by Finep, with investments from FNDCT, in support of a consortium led by the company AKAER.
This consortium also includes the company Acruz, responsible for building the S-30 rocket engines (1st and 2nd stages) and S-18 (3rd stage). A propellant factory will be established in an area purchased by the company on the island of São Luís specifically for loading these engines of the Brazilian space program. The construction in Maranhão represents a significant leap for the Alcântara Launch Center.
MCTI Investments Promise to Generate Jobs and Income for Maranhão
According to the minister, MCTI is announcing investments of R$ 30 million for the establishment of this propellant factory. This funding will be directed towards SLV projects, a technology that the country has yet to fully master.
By next year, Brazil, for the first time, will no longer need to launch satellites abroad, marking a historic moment that represents the country’s sovereignty.
Luciana Santos also celebrated the announcement, which aims to generate development, skilled jobs, and income in the space exploration sector for Maranhão. This funding is essential for the Northeast and for the national industry and, with it, the regional asymmetry is addressed.
Maranhão has a privileged location, with Alcântara situated just two degrees south of the equator, reducing launch costs by about 30% due to fuel savings. This characteristic is unique in the country and is complemented by the expansion of the Infovia cabling, which will reach the base, improving the region’s connectivity.
Maranhão Strengthens as the Second Industrial, Scientific, and Technological Hub
Fernando Carvalho Silva, rector of UFMA, emphasizes the importance of the institution in this process. UFMA is going beyond the university walls, forging partnerships and providing services to companies that will propel space exploration. A proposal has also been submitted for a Finep Technological Park grant to attract companies and consolidate technological development in Maranhão.
For the state, these announcements enhance its potential as the second industrial, scientific, and technological hub of the Brazilian Space Program, according to the National Defense Strategy (END) and MCTI policies to decentralize the development of Science, Technology, and Innovation in Brazil.
MCTI is also studying the construction of a Space Research Center in Maranhão, focused on developing launch vehicles and satellites. The project, which will receive funding from FNDCT, aligns with the Ministry’s guidelines to consolidate regional vocations in Science, Technology, and Innovation.
Infelizmente temos um histórico bem desanimador, como não lembrar da Alcântara Cyclone Space que torrou milhões de reais e nada lançou, como não lembrar da pífia participação do Brasil na Estação Espacial onde fomos expulsos do projeto por não cumprir as metas, entre outros projetos que foram engavetados por falta de recursos como o VLS, e o SARA Suborbital dentre tantos outros, e mais ainda agora com a Avibras em situação de falência e o projeto VLM perto de ser abandonado, difícil acreditar que tudo isso sairá do papel, é realmente ver pra crê.
Tomara que a grana implemente o desenvolvimento aeroespacial e regional e não acabe evaporando pro bolso ou cueca de alguém