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ECO-8/ECCO

The ECO-8/ECCO system involving INPE, AEB, TELEBRÁS in a joint venture with international companies is intended to provide a unique capabilities on mobile and fixed low orbit communications for tropical countries by launching of 10 to 12 satellites in 1999 and 2000.

Over the last five years, INPE has sought to move to the design and deployment of satellites that are appropriate to the needs of Brazil and equatorial countries. Notable in this respect is the INPE developed concept of the ECO-8 satellite. This included the specific engineering and research for the ECO-8 satellite system. This is a network of eight LEO satellites deployed in circular orbit above the equator such that each satellite beam slightly overlaps so that one of the eight satellites is always overhead not only for Brazil, but for all equatorial countries. This design allows broadband communications as well as voice and telephony to be provided to any country in the equatorial region. This system has been filed with the ITU and is scheduled for launch in 1999.

Brazil also has performed development efforts for mobile satellite systems (MSS) services through the ECO-8 system. The ECO-8 has been combined with a private system named Constellation, and this combined project has resulted in the ECCO program. The Equatorial Constellation Communications Organization (ECCO) system is an equatorial constellation of satellites placed in circular orbit at 2,000 km height, designed to provide mobile and fixed digital wireless full duplex telephony (voice, fax, data), two-way message services, and point-to-multipoint special distribution facilities, to enhance mobile services capacity.

The original project ECO-8 has been changed in several ways from the early phase. The new objectives were reoriented for a commercial approach, international markets and joint ventures. TELEBRÁS assumed the general business administration of the project and is working to internationalize the project in accordance with AEB directives. In parallel, the Brazilian Space Agency (AEB) has the assignment to explore opportunities to develop the indigenous space industry, launch site, launchers, integration and testing laboratory and other space activities.