Saipher at the IASS Seminar

The IASS 2025 Seminar – Brazilian Space Program – Challenges, Perspectives, and New Space, gathered at the Technology Innovation Park (PIT), in São José dos Campos, civil and military authorities, as well as representatives from Mexico, India, Italy, and Macedonia, to discuss the challenges, perspectives, and new trends of the Brazilian Space Program.

Participating in the official opening of the event were Professor Dr. Maria Helena Fonseca de Souza Rolin, President of the International Academy of Space Studies (IASS); the Mayor of São José dos Campos, Anderson Farias; the President of PIT, Jeferson de Lima Cheriegate; the officer responsible for the implementation of the Empresa de Projetos Aeroespaciais do Brasil (ALADA), Lieutenant-Brigadier Sérgio Roberto de Almeida; the President of the Brazilian Space Agency (AEB), Dr. Marco Antônio Chamon; Air Brigadier Eduardo Alexandre Bacelar, Head of the Technical Subdepartment of DCTA; Dr. Antônio Miguel Vieira Monteiro, Acting Director of the National Institute for Space Research (INPE); and Air Brigadier José Vagner Vital, Saipher’s Director of Business and Innovation and Vice President of the International Academy of Space Studies (IASS).

Professor Dr. Maria Helena Fonseca de Souza Rolin emphasized that the International Academy of Space Studies is a non-profit association that seeks to integrate various areas and perspectives of space activities, ranging from technology, defense, and entrepreneurship to international law and space geopolitics. She pointed out that the academy aims to foster a Portuguese-speaking space culture in countries where Portuguese is spoken, as a multidisciplinary association integrating military, civil, business, and legal sectors.

Jeferson Cheriegate stated that São José dos Campos is the cradle of the Brazilian space industry and that this initiative marks the beginning of a journey to establish a philosophical space culture, similar to what already exists in aeronautics. He highlighted that the alignment of actions in favor of the development of space science and technology is generating spin-offs for companies and startups, as well as new scientific knowledge, positioning Brazil as a leading player in space exploration over the coming decades and centuries.

Mayor Anderson Farias stressed that the city is a major hub of the aerospace industry, from the vision of Marshal Casimiro Montenegro Filho, fundamental in the creation of ITA and later INPE. He emphasized the responsibility of the aerospace sector to continue advancing, not only for the city but for the state and country, noting that the role of the public sector is to foster and encourage. He recalled the creation of the Technology Innovation Park as an example of how the municipality contributes to creating environments that stimulate technological development. The mayor also pointed out that research and technology transform daily life and that Brazil must remain united, strengthening partnerships between the private sector and the government.

Dr. Marco Antônio Chamon stated that the Brazilian Space Agency is greatly honored to participate in the IASS seminar, emphasizing that this type of initiative is important for giving visibility to the Brazilian Space Program. He noted that while experts understand the program's importance, the broader society knows much less about it, making it increasingly necessary to reinforce this discussion.

Air Brigadier Eduardo Alexandre Bacelar highlighted the symbolism of the event, especially as it takes place in the year that ITA celebrates its 75th anniversary, and recalled the trajectory initiated by Marshal Casimiro Montenegro Filho, who conceived the idea of integrating engineer training with research centers. He emphasized that this model was repeated with the creation of the Aerospace Engineering program in 2010, contributing to the advancement of the Brazilian Space Program, and expressed confidence that Brazil will achieve the same excellence in space as it has in aeronautics.

Lieutenant-Brigadier Sérgio Roberto de Almeida explained that ALADA is in an advanced stage of implementation, aimed at establishing a bridge between the public and private sectors, providing private access to certain means available within the public domain, thereby overcoming past legal restrictions. He emphasized the importance of this structure to enable such activities, commended Professor Maria Helena for IASS’s initiative in promoting the

seminar, and highlighted the significance of the connection with INPE, mentioning a visit to the institute.

Dr. Antônio Miguel Vieira Monteiro stated that this is an important, relevant, and timely moment, with an urgent agenda regarding New Space. He emphasized that this agenda requires a renewed examination of institutional arrangements, noting that the new agenda carries characteristics of the old one, but also brings new opportunities and risks that must be analyzed from the perspective of the Global South.

About the event

The seminar was structured into two rounds of lectures, with participation from representatives of public and private institutions.

In the morning, the President of the Brazilian Space Agency (AEB), Dr. Marco Antônio Chamon, presented the agency’s guidelines and pathways for strengthening the Brazilian Space Program. Next, Dr. Adenilson Roberto da Silva, Acting Director of INPE, addressed “The Development of Space Systems in the Era of New Space,” emphasizing the importance of modernizing national technological capabilities.

Air Brigadier Eduardo Alexandre Bacelar discussed the Strategic Space Systems Program (PESE), highlighting its relevance for consolidating national sovereignty in the space domain.

In the afternoon, the seminar continued with a lecture by Dr. João Paulo Campos, CEO of Visiona Tecnologia Espacial, who discussed “Visiona’s Advances and their Implications for the Brazilian Space Program.” Subsequently, Dr. Célio Vaz, CEO of Orbital Engenharia S.A., presented “Systems Engineering in the Aerospace Industry in the AI Era,” highlighting the impacts of artificial intelligence on the sector.

The seminar proceeded with the participation of Dr. William Rospendowski, Manager of the Department of Defense, Security, and Food at FINEP, who presented “FINEP’s Support for the Space Sector,” reinforcing funding lines and incentives for technological innovation in the country.

The closing presentations were conducted by Professor Thiago Bezerra de Melo, CEO of Academia do Espaço, and Gabriel Gomes, Institutional Director, who discussed “The Legal Aspects of New Space: The Brazilian Case,” addressing the legal challenges and opportunities in the context of new dynamics in the space sector.

The debater Luiz Amaral, Business and Defense Aerospace Manager at ESSS, contributed to the Q&A sessions, promoting idea exchanges and further discussion. Photo by: Nancy Ayumi Kunihiro