Brazil's space program: Dreaming with its feet on the ground

Brazil's space program represents an anomaly among those of the world's 10 largest economic powers. During a time that has witnessed the rapid emergence of a variety of national space programs—even among lesser powers like Iran and South Korea–Brazil's failure to emerge as a significant space actor requires further analysis. This article traces the history of Brazil's space efforts and examines the factors that have held it back, some of which continue to influence its policies today: inadequate funding, conflicting organizations, poorly handled foreign relations, and an unclear national vision for Brazil's “place” in space. Recent efforts to overcome these hurdles through an improved domestic strategy and smarter international relations show promise. But a more sustained political commitment to space development will be needed if they are to succeed.