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Brazil has launched its first rocket into space, a feat that comes just 14 months after its space program was devastated by a deadly launch pad accident. The VSV-30, otherwise known as the Brazilian Exploration Vehicle, lifted off Saturday from the Alcantara launch center in the northern Brazilian state of Maranhao and spent just seven minutes in microgravity, according to Brazil's Ministry of Science and Technology. Brazilian space officials are hoping a successful test flight of the rocket will help the nation's space program rebound from last year's accident in which many of Brazil's top space scientists and personnel were killed when a rocket blew up at the Alcantara center during liftoff. It would also help Brazil promote Alcantara as an ideal venue for future multi-national missions, as its proximity to the equator - within a couple of degrees - makes for easier launches into space. The Earth moves faster at the equator. Vehicles therefore need less thrust to get into space, allowing them to carry more cargo in lieu of additional fuel. All rights reserved. Copyright 2004 by United Press International. Sections of the information displayed on this page (dispatches, photographs, logos) are protected by intellectual property rights owned by United Press International. As a consequence, you may not copy, reproduce, modify, transmit, publish, display or in any way commercially exploit any of the content of this section without the prior written consent of by United Press International. Related Links SpaceDaily Search SpaceDaily Subscribe To SpaceDaily Express 
EADS, Snecma Consider Alliance For Space Propulsion
Paris (AFP) Oct 20, 2004The French aero-engine maker Snecma and EADS Space, a division of the European aeronautics group EADS, are considering an alliance in the area of space propulsion, Snecma said on Wednesday. |
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