Brazil: Fostering space and innovation between the UK and Brazil
Published 8 January 2015
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0.1 Summary
Space and Innovation are new priorities for Brazil’s new Science Minister, Aldo Rebelo. Commercial and research opportunities exist for UK small satellite launches from Brazil’s Alcântara Launch Center. Innovation partnerships will be fostered through the UK’s £27 million Newton Fund and Brazil’s Science without Borders mobility programme.
0.2 Detail
Space and Innovation are the new strategic priorities set by President Dilma Rouseff for Mr Aldo Rebelo, Brazil’s new Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation. Opportunities exist for the UK in both areas.
Space
Brazil is a key place to launch satellites thanks to its main launch facility, Alcântara Launch Center. Situated on Brazil’s northern Atlantic coast, it is less than three degrees away from the equator. The earth spins fastest here so less fuel is required for launches, making it an attractive prospect for UK satellite launches for communication.
Space superpowers are already partnering with Brazil’s Space programme. China launched a USD250 million Earth Resources Satellite last November joint with Brazil, with another launch due 2017. Russia and Brazil are designing a family of next-generation rockets and creating five new launch pads as part of their Southern Cross Project. Their first rocket will launch in 2022.
The UK’s Science and Innovation Network (SIN-Brazil) will look to foster new partnerships on developing satellite technology to tackle environmental issues or launch small satellites on existing missions from Alcântara. We will encourage UK companies to take up grants from the UK Space Agency’s £32 million International Partnership Space Programme.
Innovation
SIN-Brazil has helped to facilitate several new innovation calls in 2014 under the UK’s £27 million Newton Fund between Brazilian partners and the UK delivery partners (RCUK, British Council, the Academies and Innovate UK). Launched by the Chancellor last year, we have secured a further £27 million from the Brazilian government.
The UK has also welcomed over 8,500 students under “Science Without Borders”, Brazil’s education mobility scheme. A third of these students are already on a research or industrial placement in the UK, paving the way for future innovation collaborations.
0.3 Disclaimer
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