📋 Tender Overview
Commercial launch is the result of positive actions within the scope of the Brazilian Space PolicyThe first parts and equipment of the rocket that will be launched at the base of Alcntara between the 19th and 21st of this month by the Korean space company Innospace have arrived. Brought from South Korea on the Boeing 747 freighter an airplane that is among the largest in the world with a height of 16.3 meters and a weight of 9.2 tons. This is the first time that a private company will send a rocket into space from Alcntara.Since the signature and ratification of the Technological Safeguards Agreement AST between Brazil and the USA in 2019 and the public policies developed by the Ministry of Science Technology and Innovations MCTI it was possible in May 2020 to carry out the 1st Public Call to identify private interest in using the Alcntara Space Center CEA for launching space vehicles. Also in 2020 the Brazilian Space Agency linked to the MCTI reviewed the space licensing regulations and evaluated some applications from companies having published 4 operator licenses by February 2021.In 2022 Innospace a South Korean space startup for small launch vehicles signed an agreement with the Brazilian Department of Aerospace Science and Technology DCTA to launch SISNAV an inertial navigation system project supported by Financiadora de Estudos e Projetos of the Brazilian government FINEP and the Brazilian Space Agency AEB. At that time the company reported that it was developing the HANBIT a small satellite launcher powered by its hybrid rocket engines and the first test flight of the HANBIT-TLV was scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2022 at the Alcntara Launch Center. an equatorial launch site. It will be the first suborbital test flight to validate the first stage engine of the HANBIT-Nano which is a small two-stage satellite launcher capable of carrying a payload of 50 kg. With this agreement Innospace hopes to be able to verify the performance capability of the launch vehicle and gain recognition in the aerospace sector by launching the payload on a test flight. The HANBIT-TLV will carry SISNAV payload an inertial navigation system being developed by the DCTA and other institutions.Alcantara Space CenterThe Alcntara Space Center operated by the Brazilian Air Force is located at two degrees south latitude and is the closest launch site to the equator. Its launch azimuth is 107 degrees facilitating the rockets approach to orbit and reducing fuel consumption. Also it is considered one of the best launch sites as there is no sea or air traffic nearby and it can ensure safety and security as it is located far away from residential area. With the Alcntara Launch Center secured for the commercial launch site based on this contract Innospace plans to look for satellite launch customers based in South America which is geographically advantageous.There were nine trailers bringing the launch pad plus the erector equipment used to lift the rocket to the vertical position in addition to two containers with the launch control center and the fuel control center where a follow-up operation was carried out. by the Government of Maranho for shipment by ferry to the Alcntara Launch Center CLA.
