Fundação Ezute, Concert Space, Horuseye Tech, TR Radares, and Cron Sistemas have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to cooperate on the development of the ATTOSat mission—a project that entails the construction, launch, and operation of a small satellite designed for atmospheric and climate monitoring of the Amazon.
The signing took place at the headquarters of Fundação Ezute in São Paulo and marks a significant step toward pooling Brazilian technological expertise for an initiative with the potential to benefit both society and the environment.
The mission aims to enhance the capacity to observe and understand phenomena affecting the Amazon region by collecting data on aerosols, cloud formation, forest fires, and air pollution, with the additional capability of monitoring greenhouse gases. This information will support scientific research, contribute to the improvement of public environmental policies, and provide a foundation for forest preservation efforts and climate change mitigation.
According to Roberto Lorenzoni, CEO of Fundação Ezute, the initiative demonstrates how the integration of knowledge and technological capabilities can help address the country’s strategic challenges.
“This initiative represents an opportunity to put Brazilian technology and expertise to work on a challenge that concerns all of society. By bringing together the competencies of various institutions, we aim to contribute to the generation of data that supports science, environmental preservation, and decision-making. It is a project that embodies Ezute’s purpose: connecting innovation and technological development to create benefits for Brazil”, he highlights.
For Rafael Mordente, CEO of Concert Space, the involvement of Fundação Ezute strengthens the mission’s structure and expands the capacity to bring together diverse areas of expertise in pursuit of a goal of public interest. “ATTOSat was created with a very clear technical-scientific purpose: to generate information that can contribute to monitoring the Amazon and addressing climate change. Ezute’s experience in managing complex projects and in systems engineering adds important competencies to the technological capabilities already brought together for the mission, helping us advance the initiative in a structured manner”, he states.
The project encompasses the stages necessary to bring the satellite into operation—from system development and integration to launch, in-orbit testing, and active operation. It also includes a ground segment responsible for receiving, processing, and making the collected data available, with operations planned for a minimum period of two years. In the first half of this year, ATTOSat was also accepted by the Brazilian Space Agency (AEB) into the ProSAME qualification portfolio, which paves the way for more in-depth studies regarding technical, scientific, and budgetary feasibility.
Collaboration brings together diverse technological competencies
The agreement establishes the foundation for the five institutions to work together, pooling complementary expertise in systems engineering, space technology, software development, remote sensing, and satellite operations.
The Ezute Foundation will assist in structuring the funding proposal, managing technical and administrative aspects, and providing integrated systems engineering, thereby helping to coordinate the project’s various workstreams.
Concert Technologies, through its Concert Space division, will focus on developing onboard software, processing data, and supporting mission operations. Horuseye Tech will contribute systems and equipment for satellite navigation, control, and functionality.
TR Radares is set to handle activities related to sensing equipment, the calibration and validation of collected data, and ground-based support systems. Cron Sistemas e Tecnologias will contribute to the development and integration of the satellite platform, as well as to testing and launch preparations.
The MoU establishes a strategic partnership for the structuring and planning of the mission. Beyond its environmental objectives, the ATTOSat mission has the potential to strengthen the Brazilian space industry, foster integration among companies, and expand the country’s capacity to develop its own solutions for challenges of public interest.
With information and images provided by the consortium companies