U.S. finally greenlights space accord negotiations with Brazil

The U.S. Department of State has finally agreed to renegotiate the terms of a technological space accord with Brazil. Both countries have resumed negotiations over a technological safeguards agreement (TSA). Without such a deal, no U.S. rocket can be launched on Brazilian soil.

Sixteen years ago, the Brazilian Congress rejected a proposal that protected the Americans’ technological property, while leaving loopholes that could strip away Brazil’s sovereignty over the internal facilities of the Alcantara launch center, located in the Brazilian Northeast.

The resumption of negotiations is a big step that indicates several American companies and government agencies are open to a deal. And in the U.S., unlike in Brazil, the Department of State doesn’t need congressional approval to pass such a treaty. Notwithstanding the United States’ openness to an accord, the signing of a TSA is a “must” for Brazil.

The U.S. is the world’s biggest producer of space compounds, which are protected for commercial and military reasons. “Unless we sign the deal, no rocket can be launched from the Alcantara...