The Alcântara Launch Center, in the northeastern Brazilian state of Maranhão, is one of the world’s best facilities for launching satellites. Located just two degrees south of the equator — where the Earth’s rotation is slightly faster than in higher latitudes — launches from Alcântara are easier for so-called geosynchronous satellites, which return to the same position in the sky after each sidereal day.
The margins are small, but they make a huge difference for orbital rocket companies. It is estimated that launches from Alcântara expend 30 percent less fuel than stations further from the equator. Furthermore, the state of Maranhão itself has the ideal conditions for satellite launches. Weather is predictable, volcanoes and earthquakes are unheard of, and the state has a low population density.
However, while the Alcântara Launch Center has everything going for it, Brazil profits very little from this market. In fact, the country launches its own satellites in India. This is the result of years of poor management and a series of unforeseen events, the largest of which resulted in the death of 21 Alcântara technicians in 2002.
An Air Force investigation showed that a deadly explosion was caused by the “untimely activation” of a part engaging one of the three motors of orbital satellite VLS, being developed by the Brazilian space program.
The motor was switched on three days before launch due to an electrical fault, caused by a lack of resources, organization and premeditation...
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