Brazilian Space Agency is still presided over by Bolsonaro’s nominee – 06/04/2023 – Panel

After almost six months of the Lula government, the AEB (Brazilian Space Agency) continues to be chaired by Carlos Augusto Teixeira de Moura, a retired Air Force colonel appointed in 2019 by former President Jair Bolsonaro (PL).

The lack of definition in the agency worries the sector. While the minister of MCTI (Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation), Luciana Santos, does not define who will command the AEB, two agreements in the area have already been signed, and it is not clear how they will be executed.

One of them was signed in April in Beijing, China, and provides for the development, manufacture, launch and joint operation of the Sino Brasileiro Satellite for Terrestrial Resources.

Another, signed on May 5, transfers R$ 219 million from the FNDCT (National Fund for Scientific and Technological Development) for the development of space technology, being the largest subsidy ever granted by the fund in its history.

Meanwhile, Carlos Moura has already made three international trips, in 2023 alone. In all, trips to China, the United Arab Emirates and Portugal cost the treasury BRL 98.4 thousand.

Sought after, the MCTI claimed to be aware of “the technical criteria required” for the presidency of the AEB and highlighted the recent agreements signed as an “impulse” to the Brazilian Space Program.

The AEB said it continued working normally and highlighted that the international missions in which the director participated were called by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT). He also said that the president of the agency has already worked on space policy in previous governments, between 2008 and 2016.

PRESENT LINK: Did you like this text? Subscriber can release five free hits of any link per day. Just click the blue F below.