International Cooperation in the Brazilian Space Sector from a Civilizational Perspective: Technological Sovereignty and “Reflected Modernization”

This article analyzes Brazil’s international cooperation in the space sector through the lenses of technological sovereignty, technological restrictions, and reflected modernization. The study is based on the qualitative analysis of official documents, legislative instruments, materials from the Brazilian Space Agency, and specialized literature on dependency, sensitive technologies, and foreign policy. Four cases are examined: the Alcântara agreements with the United States, the SGDC project with France, Alcântara Cyclone Space with Ukraine, and the CBERS program with China. The article shows that cooperation may expand operational capabilities, reduce certain external vulnerabilities, and strengthen institutional competencies, while preserving dependence on external centers when it does not lead to knowledge absorption, technological reproduction, and the formation of national capabilities for the autonomous development of critical links in the space chain.