In the vast expanse above Earth, where unseen forces can disrupt vital operations below, two Brazilian Air Force (FAB) officers are not just participants but key architects of a cutting-edge international space mission. Captain Bruno Henrique Flores dos Santos Mattos, an aerospace engineer, and Major Rodrigo Janowski Zandoná, an electronic engineer, are at the heart of ITASAT-2.
The next-generation CubeSat constellation, designed to monitor space weather that can impact communication and enhance maritime security, embodies the robust, evolving partnership between Brazil and the United States. The officers’ dedication signifies not just scientific advancement, but a direct investment in the hemisphere’s collective security, offering a powerful model for nations seeking to boost their strategic capabilities through transatlantic cooperation.
A passion for space and national security
For Capt. Mattos, the journey into space engineering began with a deep fascination for the technical achievements of the 20th century. His interest quickly expanded to the geopolitical importance of space, leading him to specialize in space engineering within the FAB. He gained practical experience as a satellite engineer for SGDC-1, Brazil’s first geostationary satellite for secure military and government communications.
“Working directly with satellite operations and national space infrastructure gave me hands-on experience and solidified my commitment to advancing Brazil’s capabilities in space,” Capt. Mattos said.
He learned about ITASAT-2 during his Ph.D. studies at Utah State University (USU), where he followed the development of the Scintillation Prediction Observations Research Task (SPORT). The joint U.S.-Brazil satellite project that studied disturbances in Earth’s upper atmosphere, which can disrupt radio and GPS signals, helped pave the way for ITASAT-2 mission.
“SPORT’s successful launch in 2022 showcased Brazil’s potential in space science and the value of international collaboration. Seeing Brazilian students work alongside NASA and U.S. researchers inspired me to contribute to missions like ITASAT-2 that strengthen both our scientific capabilities and global partnerships.”
Capt. Mattos now advises on ITASAT-2’s thermal control, ensuring the satellites function reliably in orbit. He is also involved in developing a radio frequency (RF) payload: a specialized radio designed to pinpoint the location of RF signals along the Brazilian coast. This capability is crucial for monitoring illegal fishing and improving awareness of maritime activities.
“Being part of a formation-flying nanosatellites mission with propulsion is a significant leap for our national space program,” he noted, proud of contributing to Brazil’s independent space technology capabilities. He also developed a widely used software tool, the CubeSat Thermal Power Toolbox, to simulate satellite performance and optimize design.
Maj. Zandoná’s interest in ITASAT-2 was ignited by the “New Space” era, which made space contributions more accessible. An FAB pilot since 2008, his operational experience led him to electronic engineering in 2019. He contributed to strategic projects like fighter jet acquisitions and multi-mission aircraft, eventually heading the FAB’s electronic warfare laboratory. This background fostered a strong interest in advanced signal processing. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at USU with a focus on advanced signal processing techniques for geolocation applications, conducted within the ITASAT-2 binational project.
“The mission’s focus on geolocating RF-emitting targets from a CubeSat platform immediately caught my attention,” Maj. Zandoná said. “The combination of real-world defense applications, cutting-edge research in signal processing, and the challenge of developing high-performance systems, within the constraints of a small satellite platform, made ITASAT-2 a perfect match for my interests.”
Maj. Zandoná’s specific role involves developing advanced signal processing methods to pinpoint RF targets on Earth using a specialized antenna system on one of the CubeSats. He designs and tests techniques that account for the satellite’s movement and its limited size and power.
“Developing Angle of Arrival [signal location] techniques that perform under CubeSat constraints is technically challenging, and seeing those solutions move from simulation to potential deployment is highly rewarding,” he said. He emphasized adapting these techniques to be efficient on the satellite’s limited processing hardware, balancing accuracy with computational needs.
The teamwork between Capt. Mattos and Maj. Zandoná mirrors the larger Brazil-U.S. partnership on ITASAT-2, which involves some 20 dedicated young Brazilian engineers and graduate students from the FAB’s Aeronautical Technology Institute (ITA), working in close coordination with U.S. partners. Their combined efforts are vital for the effectiveness of the mission. “Our collaboration ensures both the theoretical and practical aspects of the payload are aligned for mission success,” Capt. Mattos explained.
The ITASAT-2 project builds on the experiences of the earlier SPORT mission. Key U.S. partners, including USU, NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC), and U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), are actively contributing to ITASAT-2’s development and success.
USU, which served as the Principal Investigator institution for SPORT, continues its research collaboration and provides technical contributions, particularly in areas derived from SPORT’s scientific and payload development. NASA’s MSFC, having coordinated funding and logistical integration for SPORT, maintains its involvement in guiding and supporting the mission. SOUTHCOM, for its part, further strengthens this enduring partnership by facilitating strategic coordination and institutional engagement across both countries. This deep and ongoing collaboration provides crucial scientific instruments and launch support, laying the groundwork for ITASAT-2’s advanced capabilities.
Both officers openly discussed how challenges with SPORT — including unexpected tumbling and a battery failure — directly informed a more robust design and proactive planning for ITASAT-2. These critical insights were shared and integrated across the Brazilian and U.S. teams, highlighting the power of collaborative problem-solving.
SPORT taught them invaluable lessons about resilience and the absolute necessity of rigorous testing, the officers said. Working side-by-side with U.S. experts, they implemented enhanced testing protocols for ITASAT-2’s components and integrated more advanced ways for the satellite to detect and fix its own problems. “In the SPORT mission, we faced issues with the attitude control subsystem that affected overall performance,” Capt. Mattos explained.
“For ITASAT-2 we’re mitigating that risk by using well-proven components, prioritizing reliability,” Maj. Zandoná added. “At the same time, we allow innovation in experimental payloads, like RF geolocation, where risk is more acceptable. This strategy helps ensure overall mission success while still pushing technological boundaries.”
Impact on defense and regional security
Their collective work on ITASAT-2 is a tangible demonstration of “Strategic Logistic Vision” in action — transforming innovative concepts into operational reality with a direct and profound impact on national and regional security. The inclusion of artificial intelligence for real-time data processing on the satellite itself, capable of identifying space weather disturbances, minimizes delays and maximizes the usefulness of information for both partner nations.
Furthermore, the planned formation flying of the three CubeSats is not just a technical achievement but a strategic enabler. This “string of pearls” configuration will allow for multiple simultaneous observations of plasma structures, providing a more comprehensive, three-dimensional view of space weather than ever before. This detailed information, achieved through combined resources and expertise, is crucial for predicting and mitigating communication blackouts that could affect military command and control, reconnaissance, or humanitarian aid efforts across the hemisphere.
“The binational approach brings complementary expertise, shared resources, and diverse perspectives,” Maj. Zandoná said. “It enhances problem-solving, accelerates innovation, and strengthens both countries’ technical capabilities. Collaboration also promotes international trust and long-term strategic partnerships.”
For Capt. Mattos, the mission also carries a profound national significance, amplified by the partnership. “Beyond technical and scientific gains, this binational approach strengthens the strategic relationship between Brazil and the United States. It promotes trust, long-term cooperation, and knowledge exchange — while accelerating innovation and building capacity on both sides,” he said.
The journey of ITASAT-2 is still unfolding, but through the unwavering dedication of officers like Capt. Mattos and Maj. Zandoná, and the enabling framework of international cooperation, Brazil and the United States are helping define the future of space. This mission clearly demonstrates that shared challenges are best met with shared solutions. These officers’ commitment underscores the profound impact of human ingenuity and international collaboration in tackling the complex challenges of the 21st century, offering a compelling invitation for other nations to join in building a more secure and technologically advanced future.
