VCUB1 is the first high-performance satellite designed by the national industry and served to validate new technologies in Brazil

São José dos Campos, Brazil, October 18, 2024 – Visiona, the joint venture between Embraer and Telebras, has presented the first images collected by VCUB1, the first high-performance satellite designed by Brazil’s national industry, and has thus concluded the operational evaluation of the satellite.

"Satellites play a key role all over the world and in Brazil. VCUB1 can be used for issues that are central to the country, such as environmental protection, responding to natural disasters, fighting wildfires or even developing agriculture," says João Paulo Rodrigues Campos, Visiona's CEO. "In addition to generating new business opportunities, expanding Brazil's space infrastructure and creating jobs."

Weighing just 12 kg, VCUB1 is equipped with a high-resolution camera and an advanced communications system. VCUB1 is also the first satellite with onboard software 100% developed in Brazil, which translates into complete autonomy in the project. The success of the mission proves Visiona's ability to develop solutions capable of addressing major challenges facing the Brazilian Space Program.

After the launch in 2023, the satellite’s first year of life was dedicated to developing and maturing systems. This was followed by calibration of the sophisticated camera so that the first images could be collected and released. 

VCUB1 was originally designed to validate the navigation and control systems developed by Visiona, marking the first time these technologies had been mastered by the country. "Mastering the embedded software is what gives us the freedom to integrate or replace any component, giving us total freedom in the project. We have joined a select group of companies in the world capable of fully designing satellites," says Himilcon Carvalho, Visiona's CTO. "The images, in turn, confirm the performance of the systems developed, which should now equip the company's next projects."

The project, led by Visiona, included the participation of several Brazilian companies and science and technology institutes such as OPTO Space & Defense, responsible for designing and building the camera, AMS Kepler, Metalcard, Orbital Engenharia, Embrapii, through its ISI Embarcados SENAI-SC unit, the Air Force's Aeronautics and Space Institute and INPE. In addition, the Brazilian Space Agency, Embrapa, CPRM, CEMADEN, UFSC, ITA, Government of Santa Catarina, CENSIPAM, IICA, São José dos Campos City Hall, Naturantins, Transpetro and IBAMA contributed to the satellite’s development.

Images: Here. 

About Visiona

Founded in 2012, Visiona Space Technology is a joint venture between Embraer and Telebras. Focused on space systems integration and the provision of satellite-based services, the company supports the objectives of the Brazilian Space Program and meets market demands.

Visiona was responsible for the Geostationary Defense and Strategic Communications Satellite Program, SGDC1, launched in 2017. In 2023, the company launched VCUB1, the first Earth Observation and data collection nanosatellite designed by a company in Brazil. Currently, Visiona is leading the SatVHR project, a very high-resolution Earth Observation satellite, supported by FINEP and with broad participation from Brazilian companies and R&D institutions.

Visiona also provides Remote Sensing and Satellite Telecommunications products and services, as well as SAR Aerial Surveying in X and P Bands, always aiming for technological leadership. In this market, Visiona has completed more than 100 projects across various sectors such as agriculture, oil and gas, financial services, utilities, environment, and defense.

About Embraer

A global aerospace company headquartered in Brazil, Embraer operates in the Commercial Aviation, Executive Aviation, Defense & Security and Agricultural Aviation segments. The Company designs, develops, manufactures and markets aircraft and systems, and provides after-sales Services & Support to customers.

Since its foundation in 1969, Embraer has delivered more than 9,000 aircraft. On average, every 10 seconds, an aircraft manufactured by Embraer takes off from somewhere in the world, transporting more than 150 million passengers annually.

Embraer is a leading manufacturer of commercial jets up to 150 seats and the main exporter of high value-added goods in Brazil. The company maintains industrial units, offices, service centers and parts distribution, among other activities, in the Americas, Africa, Asia and Europe.