Visiona Tecnologia Espacial | ESA-CNES-Arianespace /CSG optical video
On May 4, 2017, a rocket launched the SGDC satellite from the Kourou base in French Guiana. This satellite (artist’s rendition above) will enhance the Internet’s reach and will also be used for military communicationsVisiona Tecnologia Espacial | ESA-CNES-Arianespace /CSG optical videoThe Geostationary Defense and Strategic Communications Satellite (SGDC) was launched into space on May 4, 2017 from the Kourou Space Center in French Guiana. Telebras will operate the SGDC, which will have two frequency bands. There is the Ka band, which fills 70% of its capacity and will be used to increase the supply of broadband in Brazil to meet the needs of the National Broadband Program (PNBL), which will bring quality Internet to the regions most lacking in infrastructure and technology. The X band will use the remaining 30% of capacity and will be exclusively for military use. The satellite weighs 5.8 metric tons and is 7 meters long. It is located 36,000 kilometers from the Earth’s surface and its orbit position is 75 degrees longitude West, so that it covers all of Brazil and part of the Atlantic Ocean. According to estimates, it will last 18 years. The sum of R$2.1 billion was invested in the SGDC project through a partnership of the Ministry of Science, Technology, Innovation and Communications (MCTIC) and the Ministry of Defense. In addition to providing more autonomy for civilian and military communications in Brazil, the satellite is expected to boost the Brazilian aerospace industry significantly. The contract to purchase equipment from the manufacturer, French multinational Thales Alenia Space, provides for transferring technology to Brazilian companies in the sector. Currently, the satellites Brazil uses are operated from land stations located abroad or are controlled by companies with foreign capital. In addition to the SGDC, Brazil uses 45 communication satellites, all owned by private companies.
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