China-Brazil Space Cooperation: 30 years of joint efforts to promote common development

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03:07

China and Brazil are marking 30 years of space cooperation this year. For many, the highlight of their work during this time was the development of six earth resources satellites, or CBERS. On Thursday, the two national space agencies held events to mark the milestone, review their achievements and look to the future. CGTN's Chuck Tinte has more.

Two developing countries with limited resources. But despite their differences and difficulties, Brazil and China agreed to work together to develop earth satellites in 1988. The president of Brazil's national space agency says their success was no accident because they strictly followed the fundamental principles of international cooperation.

JOSÉ RAIMUNDO BRAGA COELHO PRESIDENT, BRAZIL'S NATIONAL SPACE AGENCY "First of all, you have to choose an object of mutual interest; second, you can develop together, you can work together, to develop this object. So with two principles, we have been very successful in our collaboration."

The two countries have developed half a dozen earth resources satellites, four of which have been successfully launched into space. But scientists hope they can now be used to serve the world.

JOSÉ RAIMUNDO BRAGA COELHO PRESIDENT, BRAZIL'S NATIONAL SPACE AGENCY "I insist that we use CBERS as a platform. So we can give CBERS prestige in the world. We start between China and Brazil, but now we going around with five countries and we will extend to many other countries like us."

LI GUOPING GENERAL SECRETARY OF CHINA NATIONAL SPACE ADMINISTRATION "In South Africa, Singapore, special earth stations are receiving data from CBERS. By other means, it can provide data for Latin American countries and ASEAN countries, for support and service in terms of disaster prevention and mitigation, forest assessment and land resource exploration."

After 30 years of joint efforts, the two parties have reached a consensus on where to take their cooperation next.

LI GUOPING GENERAL SECRETARY OF CHINA NATIONAL SPACE ADMINISTRATION "Scientists from both our countries have established a joint lab for space study in Brazil. Through our geographic position, we will monitor the climate together. Brazil is also interested in our Beidou Guiding System. We plan to cooperate in this area."

JOSÉ RAIMUNDO BRAGA COELHO PRESIDENT OF BRAZIL'S NATIONAL SPACE AGENCY "The importance of our cooperation is not to develop satellites, but to use the data, the satellite data to develop applications that are good for every country."

The world lies in the hands of those who have both the courage to dream, and who dare to live out their dreams. Scientists and technicians from the two countries have worked with concerted efforts to record some remarkable achievements over the past 30 years.

Many experts at the Beijing event agreed that their strategy should encourage others to reciprocate, and work together for the sustainable development of the Earth. Chuck Tinte, CGTN.