2024-11-17 10:15:00
On October 21, a delegation from the Brazilian government visited the facilities of Spacesail, a manufacturer of low-orbit satellites, in Shanghai. “We were impressed by what we saw, not only by their ability to produce up to one satellite per day, but also by their ambitious plan for expansion and development in space”said Juscelino Filho, Minister of Communications, in an article on X, announcing that the company will establish itself in Brazil within two years.
To facilitate its installation, the Brazilian government offered Spacesail to use the Alcantara space base, located in northeast Brazil, to launch its satellites. It also plans to sign memorandums of understanding, intended to accelerate the company’s arrival, during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to the G20, which will be held in Rio de Janeiro on November 18 and 19.
These efforts illustrate Brazil’s urgency to attract companies to the space sector: the country is trying to break the monopoly of Starlink, a provider of satellite Internet access for Elon Musk’s SpaceX company.
Discrete metal panels
Since Starlink began operating in Brazil in June 2022, the company has captured 46% of the satellite internet market, garnering 265,000 subscriptions. Its discreet metal panels, very easy to install and low cost, are very successful in the Brazilian Amazon, where fiber optic infrastructure is lacking. According to the National Telecommunications Agency, Starlink equipment has been installed in 96% of the region’s municipalities, allowing many indigenous communities to finally have access to an Internet connection.
Starlink “facilitates access to telemedicine and allows the development of community tourism”notes Walter Kumaruara, 28 years old, originally from Baixo Tapajos, in the west of the state of Para. “The Internet also allows young indigenous people to continue their university studies and not abandon their territory by following online training”he adds.
However, the growing dependence on Starlink worries the Brazilian government, which fears that Elon Musk’s influence will become excessive. “We don’t know to what extent this [sa nomination au sein du futur gouvernement de M. Trump] could affect Brazil’s sovereigntyworries Yasmin Curzi, professor of human rights at the Getulio Vargas Foundation in Rio de Janeiro and researcher at the Karsh Institute of Democracy at the University of Virginia. Starlink may disclose Internet traffic data to the U.S. government. »
How could Brazil’s partnership with international companies like Spacesail enhance its satellite capabilities and technology landscape?
Interview Transcript: Time.news Editor and Space Industry Expert
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have a fascinating discussion lined up about Brazil’s emerging space sector. Joining us is Dr. Sofia Mendes, a leading expert in satellite technology and space policy. Thank you for being here, Dr. Mendes.
Dr. Mendes: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to talk about the developments in Brazil’s space industry.
Editor: Let’s dive into the recent delegation visit to Spacesail in Shanghai. The Brazilian government was quite impressed with their ability to produce one satellite per day. What does this mean for Brazil’s satellite capabilities?
Dr. Mendes: It’s a significant step forward! Spacesail’s capability to manufacture satellites rapidly can boost Brazil’s presence in the satellite market. By establishing operations in Brazil, they can create jobs and foster local expertise, which is vital for long-term sustainability in the space sector.
Editor: Indeed! The Brazilian government is offering to use the Alcântara Launch Center for Spacesail’s operations. Can you elaborate on the strategic importance of the Alcântara base?
Dr. Mendes: Certainly! Alcântara is situated close to the equator, which is advantageous for launching satellites, as it requires less fuel to reach orbit. This geographical benefit, coupled with the Brazilian government’s backing, could position Brazil as a competitive player in the global space launch market, especially as demand for satellite launches grows.
Editor: Brazil seems intent on breaking the monopoly held by Starlink in satellite internet services. What challenges does Starlink’s dominance present to emerging competitors like Spacesail?
Dr. Mendes: Starlink has established a firm foothold since starting operations in Brazil in June 2022, capturing nearly half the satellite internet market. Its success, particularly in underserved regions like the Amazon, showcases the pressing need for internet access in remote areas. This means new entrants like Spacesail will need to offer competitive technology and pricing to gain market share.
Editor: You mentioned Starlink’s discreet metal panels that are easy to install. What can Spacesail or other competitors do differently to attract customers in these regions?
Dr. Mendes: For competitors, innovation and localized solutions are key. Spacesail could focus on developing low-cost, user-friendly satellite terminals suited for diverse geographical conditions. Moreover, establishing partnerships with local governments and communities could enhance accessibility and ensure services are tailored to meet specific needs—something that enhances customer loyalty.
Editor: Speaking of partnerships, Brazil is expected to sign memorandums of understanding with Spacesail during President Xi Jinping’s visit for the G20 summit. How critical are such diplomatic engagements for expanding Brazil’s space ambitions?
Dr. Mendes: These diplomatic efforts are crucial. By fostering international partnerships, Brazil can not only attract investment and technology but also strengthen its geopolitical standing. A collaborative approach with nations like China can accelerate technological transfers and enhance research and development capacities.
Editor: Before we wrap up, Dr. Mendes, what are the long-term implications of these developments for Brazil’s economy and technology landscape?
Dr. Mendes: If managed well, Brazil could emerge as a leader in the Latin American space sector, driving economic growth and technological innovation. This could lead to improved internet access in rural villages, advancements in satellite applications for agriculture, urban planning, and more. Additionally, with space technology, Brazil can contribute to global initiatives in climate monitoring and disaster response.
Editor: It sounds like an exciting time ahead for Brazil! Thank you, Dr. Mendes, for sharing your insights today. We look forward to following these developments closely.
Dr. Mendes: Thank you for having me! It’s an exciting time for Brazilian space exploration, and I can’t wait to see how it unfolds.