Published
09/02/2026 às 18:46
Updated
09/02/2026 às 18:47
The Brazilian Montenegro MKI rocket project, designed to place Brazil among the select group of countries capable of autonomously launching satellites, has been officially canceled after the identification of serious flaws in the accounting of R$ 24,5 million. The decision was made by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI), through the Financing Agency for Studies and Projects (Finep), responsible for funding the initiative.
The information was initially released by science and technology news outlets, based on administrative documents from Finep (Brazilian Innovation Agency), which pointed to significant inconsistencies in the use of public funds allocated to the consortium responsible for developing the rocket. Given this situation, the agency ordered not only the termination of the project but also the full return of the disputed funds.
The Montenegro MKI was part of a broader strategy to strengthen the Brazilian space program, reducing dependence on foreign launchers and expanding the country’s capacity for access to space. However, despite the strategic discourse and the high volume of resources involved, the project was ultimately interrupted before even reaching the advanced testing phase.
See also other features
-
After reading more than 40 books about money, a young man abandons financial illusions, changes extreme habits, and reveals what truly separates those who get rich from those who remain poor.
-
China begins a silent withdrawal of US Treasury funds, weakening the global dollar, pushing the Brazilian real to R$ 5,18, its lowest value in 21 months, strengthening emerging market stock markets, and exposing the growing monetary battle against Washington in the international financial system.
-
End of border queues? Crossing the border will become faster with Paraguay and Argentina unifying immigration control and creating a single valid entry and exit procedure between the two countries.
-
Historic record: Brazilian gold exports double in January 2026, with revenue exceeding R$ 4,2 billion driven by the global search for financial security.
The project structure envisioned an investment of R$ 180 million and partnerships with startups.
From the outset, Montenegro MKI was conceived as an ambitious project. The plan envisioned a total investment of approximately R$ 180 million, with public funds directed towards the development of a satellite launch rocket Small to medium-sized businesses capable of meeting both civil and institutional demands.
The consortium was led by the Brazilian company Akaer, known for its work in the aeronautical and defense sectors. In addition, the startups Acrux Aerospace, Breng Engenharia, and Essado de Morais participated in the project, acting as co-executors in specific areas of technological development.
On paper, the cooperation model promised to accelerate innovation and distribute technical responsibilities. In practice, however, operational problems arose that compromised the project’s progress. According to reports from partner companies, there were recurring communication failures and significant delays in financial transfers, which directly impacted the payment of salaries, suppliers, and the continuity of activities.
As a result, steps planned in the original schedule were not completed, generating a ripple effect that delayed technical deliverables and increased the funder’s distrust regarding the execution of the contract.
Account freezes, investigations, and disputes over financial responsibility.
In March 2025, following formal complaints filed by the startups involved, Finep decided to freeze Akaer’s accounts. The measure was adopted as a way to preserve public funds while the irregularities were thoroughly investigated.
Furthermore, the case was referred to external oversight bodies, such as the Federal Court of Accounts (TCU) and the Comptroller General of the Union (CGU), which began monitoring the administrative process and assessing any potential civil and administrative liabilities.
The co-executing companies claim that they did not have access to the central management of resources and that they fulfilled their contractual obligations, including the delivery of technical reports, deadlines, and individual accountability reports. According to this version, the lack of payments from the consortium leader made it impossible to continue the work, even though the technical goals were met as far as possible.
In this context, the startups argue that the responsibility for returning the funds—which, according to documents, could reach R$ 41,3 million considering other transfers—should fall exclusively on Akaer. While Essado de Morais awaits the conclusion of the administrative process, Breng Engenharia has not yet officially commented on the outcome of the case.
Source: aeroin