As reported by the Chilean government through its Presidential Press page, “within the framework of the State Visit of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Chile and Brazil signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Space Activities for Peaceful Purposes, with the aim of promoting joint programs and projects in space matters.”
The agreement was signed by the Ministers of Science, Technology and Innovation of Brazil, Luciana Santos , and of Science, Technology, Knowledge and Innovation of Chile, Aisén Etcheverry , specifying the intention of both countries to cooperate in space activities by carrying out projects of common interest . Both countries will identify areas to develop joint programs and projects in accordance with their respective national policies on space policy.
With this, Brazil and Chile will be able to “exchange information on science, technology and innovation in space matters; identify and promote research and development projects and programs that can be carried out cooperatively; exchange information on activities, public policies, practices, laws and regulations related to research and development of science, technology and innovation in space fields; carry out visits and exchanges of scientists, technical personnel or other experts; in addition to other cooperative activities” reported the Press Office of the President .
Gabriel Boric , highlighted that the purpose of cooperation with Brazil in this matter “has to do precisely with that, to bring Chile up to date together with a strategic partner, such as Brazil, to enter into that speed of change. With this memorandum we seek to deepen our exchange in space activities and thus promote joint research on our planet and the changes it is experiencing. Information, public policies, laws, regulations, scientific and technical visits and the promotion of cooperative projects, among other tasks.”
Lula da Silva highlighted the strategic importance of space development and collaboration in this field. “It is a source of pride to share the Brazilian institutional experience with the young Chilean Ministry of Science, Technology, Knowledge and Innovation, created in 2018. The memoranda of understanding signed by our ministers will allow us to explore joint initiatives in the aerospace sector and in other cutting-edge areas. I am sure that this center will be an important asset for the economic, scientific and technological development of Chile and that our cooperation will take us very far.”
Lula used his speech to say that tycoon Elon Musk would rather “colonize Mars” than take care of the Earth, so the role of the State should not be neglected. “For the benefits of space development to be shared by all, it is essential that they are promoted within solid public policy frameworks. The delusions of billionaires who prefer to colonize Mars rather than take care of the Earth are no substitute for the action and guidance of the State,” he argued. “Today there is no activity that does not require space infrastructure,” he added, citing the importance of addressing climate change.
National Space Centre (CEN)
The National Space Center (CEN) is currently being built at the Cerrillos air base of the Chilean Air Force (FACH) , and its launch is expected during the second half of 2025. For this reason, before the start of the ceremony, the Presidents , together with the Commander in Chief of the FACH, Hugo Rodríguez , and students from schools participating in the Air Force's School Space Education Program , left souvenirs in a capsule that will be incorporated into the construction of the National Space Center .
Boric said that at the National Space Center "satellites will be assembled, our satellites, which will be put into orbit, the information we obtain from space will be processed and it will also allow us to prepare new talents to continue developing knowledge in these matters."
This center will bring together space-related research, development and innovation capabilities in one place , and is one of three satellite stations being developed in Chile that will form part of the National Satellite System (SNSAT) . The other two stations will be located in Antofagasta and Punta Arenas .
Its objective is to promote research and development of space technology in Chile, and to be a meeting place for countries in the region to promote their own space programs, through multilateral links . The center will allow the development of projects, from basic research to demonstration in an operational environment.
The project will cover 5,800 square meters with four floors . It includes an investment of 19 million dollars in infrastructure and 15 million dollars in equipment .
120 people will work in its facilities, including officials from the Chilean Air Force and academics and researchers from universities, research centers and national and foreign industry.
It will have a Mission Control Center for the operation of SNSAT satellites in orbit; a Laboratory for the Development of Space Technology , where satellites will be assembled, integrated and tested, as well as other technologies . It will also have a Data Science Laboratory to process information obtained from space, which requires data centers and a supercomputer . In addition, there will be a Research, Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Talent Promotion Laboratory in order to generate human capital in the space area, linking academia with industry.
As noted by the La Tercera portal, it was not the only agreement that Lula signed in Chile, since the day before, in La Moneda, “he also signed one on scientific collaboration that includes topics of Digital Transformation, Artificial Intelligence; Climate Change and Biodiversity, including ocean sciences, the Amazon and Antarctica; Astronomy; Startups and Innovative Environments; Biotechnology; Bilateral Collaboration within the framework of the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN); Quantum Technologies; Energy Transition, including Hydrogen with low carbon emissions; Strategic Minerals; Popularization/Dissemination of Science and Scientific Education.”
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