The National Institute for Space Research (INPE), a leading scientific organization under Brazil’s Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovations, is partnering with SSC Space to strengthen operational support for its Amazonia‑1 (AMZ‑1) Earth observation satellite, primarily designed to monitor deforestation in the Amazon region.
“This is our first contract in Brazil and is a strategic entry into one of Latin America’s most important space markets”, says Erwin Mercado, Head of Region Americas, SSC Space Connect division. “As a key national institution with a growing role in the space industry, INPE provides a strong platform for SSC Space to expand its presence and pursue additional opportunities in Brazil”.
As Amazonia‑1 continues operations in its extended mission phase, INPE aims to ensure robust redundancy and rapid response capabilities for satellite control.
“The INPE Amazonia-1 mission is Brazil’s first fully designed, integrated, tested, and operated Earth observation satellite, launched on February 28, 2021, to monitor deforestation in the Amazon region and agricultural activity”, explains Erwin Mercado.
The Amazonia-1 satellite is 640 kg, sun-synchronous, providing 60-65m resolution imagery, featuring a 3-axis stabilized Multi-Mission Platform (MMP). Originally designed for a 4-year mission, AMZ-1 has entered into an extended mission phase.
Founded in 1961 and headquartered in São José dos Campos, INPE has long served as Brazil’s premier institution for space and atmospheric sciences, space engineering, and space technology development. The organization plays a central role in advancing scientific research and training personnel across the country’s space sector.
Credit: INPE
Mission Support Objectives
Under the planned 24‑month support framework, INPE will receive:
- Monthly training passes for INPE and SSC teams to maintain operational proficiency
- Up to 56 emergency contacts, each with a maximum 6‑hour reaction time
- High availability of all emergency passes, which INPE has chosen as an “insurance policy” for mission continuity
Although INPE has not required emergency passes from its prior international partner in over four years, the flexible structure allows unneeded emergency passes to be converted into routine support as mission conditions evolve.
Establishment of Kiruna Ground Station Support
To ensure reliable global coverage, the agreement includes the establishment of a dedicated ground station capability at Esrange, Kiruna (Sweden) for Amazonia‑1. The setup will include:
- A 4 Mbps VPN connection between the SSC Network Operations Center and two INPE control centers
- Full uplink and downlink equipment installation
- Radio frequency licensing
- Dedicated data and voice links between Horsham and the Kiruna facility
- Comprehensive connectivity and dataflow testing
- Delivery of technical documentation, including test reports and configuration records
This international infrastructure strengthens INPE’s ability to maintain consistent, high‑integrity communication with Amazonia‑1, even under unexpected operational conditions.
About INPE
INPE is a non‑political, government‑affiliated scientific institution dedicated to advancing Brazil’s capabilities in space and atmospheric sciences. With a mission deeply rooted in innovation, research, and technical excellence, INPE leads national initiatives in satellite development, remote sensing, and aerospace engineering.
For more information, visit www.inpe.br.
Images credit: INPE, CC BY SA 2.0
