Brazil, China universities establish advanced space propulsion lab

(SpaceEnergy) The University of Brasília and China’s Beihang University have agreed to establish a joint laboratory for advanced space propulsion research, with activities hosted by both institutions.

The Brazilian university said on 27 August that the partners signed a memorandum of understanding establishing the laboratory during a ceremony in Brasília, Brazil, on 25 August.

Research is expected to include space propulsion systems, spacecraft technologies and microsatellites, alongside satellite navigation and remote-sensing applications. The universities will also use the laboratory for joint research projects, researcher and student exchanges, scientific workshops and academic training.

Beihang vice-president Zhao Weisheng said cooperation could begin with aerospace and propulsion research before expanding into other fields. The partners will now define the laboratory’s research projects and operating structure.

The Brazilian Space Agency participated in the signing ceremony, together with representatives from the Chinese Embassy in Brazil. The University of Brasília said the laboratory will operate at both universities.