The VLS-1 was the Brazilian Space Agency's main satellite launch vehicle. The launch vehicle was to be capable of launching satellites into orbit. The launch site was located at the Alcântara Launch Center due to its proximity to the equator.
The Brazilian Department of Science and Aerospace Technology is the national military research center for aviation and space flight. It is subordinated to the Brazilian Air Force (FAB). It coordinates all technical and scientific activities related to the aerospace sector in which there are interests by the Ministry of Defence. It was established in 1953. It currently employs several thousand civilian and military personnel.
SACI 2 (Satélite Científico 2) is a 60 kg scientific satellite (Scientific Applications Satellite) launched on the 11th December 1999 on the second flight of the Brazilian VLS-1. Failure of the launcher second stage prevented it from reaching orbit.
Low Earth OrbitThe satellites of the SCD (Satelites de Coleta de Dados) series are equipped to collect and transmit meteorological and environmental data collected by automatic platforms (PCD) installed on land or on oceanic buoys. The data is relayed to one or more ground stations.
Low Earth Orbit