Investigation Shows Lack Of Funds Blocking Brazil's Space Program

LAUNCH PAD

File image of the Alcantara Space Base launch disaster in August 2003

Brasilia (XNA) Aug 30, 2004
Insufficient funds constituted the main reason for the failure of Brazil's space program, which has seen three unsuccessful attempts at sending a rocket into space, the legislative commission said Saturday.

The latest failure took place on Aug. 23, 2003, in which a rocket that was going to send two national satellites into orbit exploded, killing 21 Brazilian experts.

The commission's conclusion echoed the opinion of Brazilian Defense Minister Jose Viegas, who admitted the shortage of funds was the root cause for the space tragedy although official report showed that the accident was caused directly by a short circuit inthe rocket systems.

The commission said lack of investments in new equipment, security measures and training of the personnel working on the space program led to the tragedy.

According to the government-appointed commission, the government budget on space program was reduced to 15.3 million US dollars in 2002 from 86 million dollars in 1998.

In addition, Terezinha Fernandes, a member of the commission, said low salaries at the Space Base of Alcantara made many technicians and officials hold extra jobs to meet their own needs.

The commission has proposed structural changes in the space program and suggested that the Brazilian Space Agency become an organization directly subordinated to the presidency, not to a ministry.

Source: Xinhua News Agency Related Links
SpaceDaily
Search SpaceDaily
Subscribe To SpaceDaily Express

LAUNCH PAD

AMC-15 Satellite Delivered For September Proton Launch

Princeton NJ (SPX) Aug 19, 2004
The Americom-15 (AMC-15) satellite of SES Americom, an SES Global Company, has been delivered to the Baikonur Cosmodrome to be prepared for its scheduled September 24 launch aboard a Proton launch vehicle.

Thanks for being here; We need your help. The SpaceDaily news network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain. With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords. Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year. If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.
SpaceDaily Contributor $5 Billed Once credit card or paypal		SpaceDaily Monthly Supporter $5 Billed Monthly paypal only

The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2016 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. Privacy Statement All images and articles appearing on Space Media Network have been edited or digitally altered in some way. Any requests to remove copyright material will be acted upon in a timely and appropriate manner. Any attempt to extort money from Space Media Network will be ignored and reported to Australian Law Enforcement Agencies as a potential case of financial fraud involving the use of a telephonic carriage device or postal service.