The Brazilian Air Force (FAB) has started operating the defence and strategic communications geostationary satellite (SGCD).

The SGCD was launched from the Kourou Space Centre in French Guiana on 4 May to serve both civilian and military purposes.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Premium Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

Since its launch, the satellite has been undergoing orbital tests and functional tests coordinated by the military.

Space Operations Centre Deputy chief aviator colonel Sidney César Coelho Alves said: “The SGDC has received the Band X payload, which will guarantee more security in our military communications and increase the operational capacity of the armed forces.”

The ministries of Defence and Science, Technology, Innovations and Communications have invested R$2.7bn ($822.5m) in the project.

See Also:

"The SGDC has received the Band X payload, which will guarantee more security in our military communications and increase the operational capacity of the armed forces."

Expected to allow more than 7,000 public network computers to connect to the internet, the satellite will support the implementation of the National Broadband Plan.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

The dual-use telecommunications satellite is intended to provide secure strategic defence communications for the Brazilian Ministry of Defence, and broadband services for the Ministry of Telecommunications, through the National Broadband Plan (PNBL).

The satellite is fitted with seven X-band military payload and 50 Ka-band payload transponders offering a throughput of 80Gbps.

The five X-band transponders will cover all of South America and neighbouring maritime routes. The Ka-band payload will offer government strategic data communications and expand broadband services to remote areas in Brazil.

The satellite, positioned in geostationary orbit at an angle of 75° west, will be operated by Visiona Tecnologia Espacial, a joint venture between Embraer Defense and Security and Telebras Telecomunicaçoes Brasileiras.