Regional Government welcomes private initiative to launch atmospheric rockets in Santa Maria - Communication

Secretaria Regional dos Assuntos Parlamentares e Comunidades

The Regional Government informs that atmospheric rocket launch operations for the testing of rockets will take place in Malbusca, parish of Santo Espírito, Santa Maria Island, between September 25 and 28.

This is a private initiative under the responsibility of the Atlantic Spaceport Consortium, a private company based on the island of Santa Maria, which operates in the space sector, especially for implementing space access activities.

The Regional Government wishes the best of luck to those involved and will monitor the operation closely. This is another important step in the scientific, academic and entrepreneurial development that we hope to grow in the Azores, centred on the island of Santa Maria.

Atmospheric launches are planned for two small rockets developed and manufactured by the Atlantic Spaceport Consortium, with the support of the Rocket Experiment Division team, which will take place between 11 am and 2 pm on those days.

The operation has been monitored by the Regional Government and the municipality of Vila do Porto, along with the relevant authorities, such as the National Civil Aviation Authority, the National Maritime Authority, the Public Security Police and Civil Protection, among others.

This type of launch falls into a category of amateur rocket launches, propelled by non-toxic fuels, with low mass and volume, which often carry small payloads, such as the CanSat student satellites.

These launches, known as atmospheric launches, are not considered space launches - their apogee will be below 10 km altitude, serving as a platform for testing concepts, operations and training for those involved.

The engines are made of solid, non-toxic propellant from an internationally recognised manufacturer that supplies various entities worldwide. The elements involved have the necessary experience and have mastered the procedures to ensure the correct handling of these engines and the safety of all the operations involved in the launches.