Hybrid Rocket Company Expands Manufacturing Plans in Latin America
On May 13, American space tech company Vaya Space signed a protocol of intent with the Brazilian city of Taubaté. Vaya Space, a provider of hybrid rocket propulsion systems and orbital launch services, will establish a manufacturing presence in Taubaté, a major step in its strategic expansion into Latin America. The company launched its Brazilian subsidiary last year.
Cristiano Pinto, Director of Business Development for Vaya Space Latin America, attended the signing along with Brazilian Minister of Science, Technology and Innovations, Paulo Alvim; Taubaté mayor, José Saud; Secretary of Development, Innovation and Tourism, Alexandre Ferri; and former minister and astronaut Marcos Pontes.
“Vaya Space is proud to contribute manufacturing jobs to Brazil’s space economy,” said Vaya Space’s Cristiano Pinto. “With this investment, Vaya Space will deepen its commitment to providing eco-friendly launch services to the Brazilian and greater Latin American market.”
Per the protocol of intent, Taubaté plans to grant to Vaya Space approximately 57,000 square meters of municipal land, which includes an existing 5,000 square meter industrial facility. The Taubaté manufacturing site will complement Vaya Space's plans to launch from Brazil’s Alcântara Space Center. Alcântara Space Center is the closest space launch complex to the Earth’s equator, which will enable lower launch costs and increased fuel efficiency for Vaya Space’s launch services.
Other municipalities and states are continuing to approach Vaya Space Brazil with incentives to locate future operations to their areas.
Vaya Space is developing revolutionary hybrid rocket engines that combine the flexibility and performance of a liquid bi-propellant rocket, the reliability and simplicity of a solid rocket, and an unprecedented level of safety. The company completed a successful test launch earlier this year, and is on track to launch its Dauntless orbital launch vehicle in 2023.
(Left to Right): Astronaut Marcos Pontes, Vaya Space’s Cristiano Pinto, Brazilian Minister Paulo Alvim, Taubaté mayor José Saud, and other officials at the agreement signing between Vaya Space and the City of Taubaté, Brazil on May 13