Brazil launches Intermediate Training Rocket

The 12th Intermediate Training Rocket was launched Friday (Oct. 30) from the Alcântara Launch Center (CLA) in the Northeast state of Maranhão as part of the Brazilian space program's Atmospheric Re-entry Satellite Project (SARA). The 5.5-meter rocket, which weighs half a ton, blasted off at 14:50pm (Brasília daylight saving time).

Prior to launch, tests was carried out to ensure the safety of the operation, with a weather balloon sent out to establish the local climatic conditions. “These are important data that will inform effective decision making ahead of the launch of space vehicles,” said Lt. Marlon Figueiredo, head of Meteorology at the CLA.

The launch served as training for the main stage of Operation São Lourenço in November, when a rocket will be launched to transport the Atmospheric Reentry Satellite, a platform designed for study and research in microgravity settings, i.e. out of the Earth's orbit.

The input will enable the team to validate the system and allow for a new launch that will take the platform to a microgravity setting for ten days. According to Col. Claudio Olany, director of the Alcantara Launch Center, all these actions and technologies “will pave the way for future vehicles that will launch satellites into orbit in a way that pays off to society.”

Translated by Mayra Borges