Brazil: Fostering space and innovation between the UK and Brazil
Published 8 January 2015
漏 Crown copyright 2015
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0.1 Summary
Space and Innovation are new priorities for Brazil鈥檚 new Science Minister, Aldo Rebelo. Commercial and research opportunities exist for UK small satellite launches from Brazil鈥檚 Alc芒ntara Launch Center. Innovation partnerships will be fostered through the UK鈥檚 拢27 million Newton Fund and Brazil鈥檚 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鈥檚 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, Alc芒ntara Launch Center. Situated on Brazil鈥檚 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鈥檚 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鈥檚 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 Alc芒ntara. We will encourage UK companies to take up grants from the UK Space Agency鈥檚 拢32 million International Partnership Space Programme.
Innovation
SIN-Brazil has helped to facilitate several new innovation calls in 2014 under the UK鈥檚 拢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 拢27 million from the Brazilian government.
The UK has also welcomed over 8,500 students under 鈥淪cience Without Borders鈥�, Brazil鈥檚 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
The purpose of the FCO Country Update(s) for Business (鈥漷he Report鈥�) prepared by UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) is to provide information and related comment to help recipients form their own judgments about making business decisions as to whether to invest or operate in a particular country. The Report鈥檚 contents were believed (at the time that the Report was prepared) to be reliable, but no representations or warranties, express or implied, are made or given by UKTI or its parent Departments (the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS)) as to the accuracy of the Report, its completeness or its suitability for any purpose. In particular, none of the Report鈥檚 contents should be construed as advice or solicitation to purchase or sell securities, commodities or any other form of financial instrument. No liability is accepted by UKTI, the FCO or BIS for any loss or damage (whether consequential or otherwise) which may arise out of or in connection with the Report. .
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