Brazil’s Nuclear Milestones – 1955-2004

1955: The U.S. and Brazil sign an Atoms for Peace agreement for nuclear cooperation. 1956: The National Atomic Energy Commission (CNEN) is created. 1957: Brazil’s first research reactor, the IEA-R1,…

Brazil’s Nuclear Sites

Uranium Reserves (world’s sixth largest) Deposit Status Estimated Reserves (tons U3O8) Pocos de Caldas Shutdown 4,500 Lago Real Operating 100,770 Itataia Deferred 142,500 Others 61,600 TOTAL 309,370 Uranium Enrichment Facility…

Brazil’s Nuclear Puzzle

Science October 22, 2004, p. 617 Brazil is planning to commission later this year a uranium enrichment plant that, if configured to do so, could fuel several nuclear weapons annually….

Brazil’s Rockets and Missiles Update – 2004

Brazil’s attempt to develop a national space launch program has continued to experience setbacks. The third attempt to launch Brazil’s first big space rocket failed in August 2003. Nevertheless, Brazilian…

Brazil Missile Milestones – 1945-2003

1945: Brazil establishes the Aeronautical Technical Center for space research and rocket development. 1965: Sonda rocket development begins; first two rockets provide experience in testing thermal protections, propellants, aerodynamic configurations…

Brazil’s Rockets and Missiles Update – 2000

Brazil established a commission to develop a national space program in the early 1960s, and since then has developed four sounding rockets and a satellite launch vehicle, the VLS. Although…

Brazil’s Rockets

The following are the most recent technical specifications of Brazil’s rockets. Sonda II The Sonda II is a small single stage sounding rocket used to launch payloads under 70 kg…

Brazil Needs Foreign Technology to Improve Its Rockets

Brazil will have to rely on imports to advance its space launch program. The VLS (Veiculo Lancador de Satelite) its planned space launcher has been delayed several years because Brazil…

Brazil Shops for Help With a Nuclear Submarine

Brazil is trying to buy a sintering furnace for its nuclear submarine program, U.S. and industry officials say. The special projects branch of Brazilian navy, COPESP, wants to use the…

Keeping the Lid on Nuclear Arms

New Scientist August 17, 1991, p. 26-30 In an historic accord last November, Argentina and Brazil agreed not to produce nuclear weapons and pledged to open their secret nuclear sites…