Abstract

CAMARA, Gilberto. A pesquisa espacial no Brasil: 50 anos de Inpe (1961-2011). Rev. USP [online]. 2011, n.89, pp. 234-243. ISSN 0103-9989.

This article outlines a 50-year history of the action of Inpe [National Institute for Space Research] in developing research and technology, and the applications associated with space and environmental areas in Brazil. It presents Inpe's initial plans, created in 1961, concerning research on space science, meteorology and remote sensing. Throughout Inpe's history, the research capacity of the institute allowed for the creation of operational systems such as the weather forecast, environmental monitoring, and space weather prediction. From the 1980s onwards, Inpe started its satellite manufacturing activities, whose main project is the space technology cooperation program with China. This article discusses some lessons from Inpe's history; and explores the capacity of this institute of keeping long-term projects.

Keywords : Inpe; space research; China.