[SatNews] Thales Alenia Space has signed a contract with Visiona (a joint venture between Embraer and Telebras) for the Geostationary Defense and Strategic Communications Satellite (SGDC) program.

This contract is a key to space development plans by the BRAZILIAN SPACE AGENCY, and to meeting the Ministry of Defense's strategic requirements. It satisfies two primary objectives for the country: The deployment of a secure satellite communications system for the Brazilian government and armed forces and the deployment of the National Broadband Plan (PNBL). The latter will be coordinated by the operator Telebras to reduce the digital divide in the country. The SGDC program is an integral part of Brazil's strategy to reinforce its independence and sovereignty.

Artistic rendition of the SGDC satellite. Image courtesy of Thales Alenia Space.

Additionally, Thales Alenia Space announced has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the BRAZILIAN SPACE AGENCY concerning the transfer of space technologies to Brazil.

This agreement complements the contract referred to earlier in this story by Thales Alenia Space with Visiona, a joint venture of Embraer and Telebras, to build the dual-use telecommunications satellite SGDC (Geostationary Defense and Strategic Communications Satellite).

For additional information regarding Thales Alenia Space, their infosite is located at:
http://www.thalesaleniaspace.com/