In an interview with the National Radio of Amazonia, Gaudenzi said that the cleaning of the debris resulting from the rocket explosion that killed 21 civilians on Aug. 22, 2003 will soon be completed in Alcantara.

The first launching of satellites is set for 2006, through the lift-off of a Satellite-Launching Vehicle (VLS) with a capacity "for lighter cargo."

The launching of a heavier satellite aimed at a higher orbit will occur before 2008, said the official, who took office on July 6.

An agreement signed between Brazil and Ukraine still awaits ratification by congresses of both countries, which Gaudenzi considers will come in August. The satellite Ciclone-IV will demand the construction of a base by Ukraine, he said.

"Each launcher demands a specific launching platform," he said.

Gaudenzi also said that "there are good signs" for Brazil to reach a similar agreement with the United States.

Another country interested in Alcantara's satellite launches is Russia, with which "there exists a great and concrete possibility "for a space agreement.

According to Gaudenzi, the Alcantara center is "large, with several sections, thus we can have cooperation with several countries."

With respect to China, a country with which Brazil has already launched two satellites of the series CBERS (Sino-Brazilian Land-Resources Satellite), Gaudenzi said a third CBERS will be launched in 2007 or 2008.

Source: Xinhua News Agency

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