Brazil and China have entered a new stage in the development of CBERS-5, the first geostationary satellite resulting from space co-operation between the two countries. Brazilian and Chinese technicians involved in the project are working to define the engineering requirements and technological solutions needed to build the satellite, which is scheduled for launch by 2030.

The project represents a milestone for the China-Brazil Earth Resources Satellite (CBERS) Programme, which began in 1988 when Brazil and China signed a co-operation agreement on the joint development of satellites. Over the past few decades, space co-operation between the two countries has resulted in the development, launch and operation of six Earth observation satellites.

Unlike previous missions under the programme, whose satellites capture images as they pass over a given region, CBERS-5 will remain in geostationary orbit, moving in synchronisation with the Earth’s rotation. In practice, this will enable continuous monitoring of the entire Brazilian territory and the transmission of meteorological and environmental data in real time. Under the agreement signed by the two countries, Brazil will be responsible for developing the satellite platform, while China will develop the payload for meteorological and environmental observations.

(Source: Hora do Povo, 13 July)