# Brazil and India Partner to Develop Orbital Launch Vehicle Concert Technologies and Skyroot Aerospace collaborate on a new orbital rocket project. - **Source:** [Poder360](https://www.poder360.com.br) - **Published:** 2026-11-09 - **Topic:** [science](https://brifing.si/c/science) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/0faa50a0-0b0e-4051-a87a-fbe14a13138d ## Strategic Aerospace Partnership Brazilian firm Concert Technologies has signed an agreement with India's Skyroot Aerospace to develop an orbital rocket. This vehicle aims to carry payloads starting at 100 kg into low Earth orbit. The collaboration, announced during the 2026 International Astronautical Congress in Antalya, targets operational readiness by the early 2030s. ## Integrating Navigation Technology Beyond the rocket development, Concert Technologies will test its SNI-GNSS navigation system on the Indian Vikram-1 rocket. Developed with Horuseye Tech and Cron Sistemas, this equipment utilizes inertial sensors and satellite signals for precise positioning. The system previously underwent successful testing on the South Korean HANBIT-Nano rocket in December 2025. ## Expanding National Capabilities The partnership aims to move Brazil beyond its traditional role as a launch site provider at Alcântara. CEO Rafael Mordente emphasized that Brazil seeks active participation in manufacturing and technological development. This approach ensures the country gains critical expertise rather than serving merely as a transit point for foreign aerospace market access. ## Historical Context of Challenges Brazil has pursued independent orbital launch capabilities for decades, facing significant setbacks along the way. A tragic 2003 explosion at the Alcântara center claimed 21 lives during VLS preparations. Furthermore, a previous joint venture with Ukraine, known as Alcântara Cyclone Space, concluded without achieving any successful satellite launches from the site. ## Strategic Geographic Advantage The Alcântara Launch Center remains a highly strategic asset due to its proximity to the Equator. This location allows for fuel savings of up to 30% for specific orbital missions compared to higher-latitude launch sites. The new project intends to leverage this geographic benefit to attract international interest in future operations. ## Project Development Timeline The memorandum of understanding establishes a 24-month window for the companies to finalize project details. During this period, they will define the total budget, establish the necessary legal framework, and outline the division of technical responsibilities. This phase is critical for aligning the engineering teams from both Brazil and India. ## Targeting Small Satellite Market The joint venture specifically targets the surging demand for small satellite launches into low Earth orbit. These satellites are essential for modern communication networks, environmental monitoring, and terrestrial observation services. By focusing on this segment, the companies aim to capture a significant share of the growing global space logistics market. ## Future Technological Synergy The collaboration combines Skyroot’s established rocket expertise with Brazilian advancements in propulsion and navigation systems. By sharing knowledge, both parties expect to enhance their competitive edge in the aerospace sector. This synergy represents a major step toward Brazil’s goal of achieving long-term technological sovereignty in the complex field of space exploration. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.poder360.com.br/poder-internacional/brasil-faz-parceria-com-india-para-desenvolver-foguete-orbital/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._