Brazil’s Space Legal Framework: A Comparison with International Approaches for a National Planetary Defense Initiative

ABSTRACT The Brazilian legal framework for space operations is examined in this paper to find areas lacking planetary defense and to suggest legislative changes that could integrate Brazil into worldwide projects in this field. Brazilian legislation was investigated using a qualitative methodology based on documentary and comparative research, including the current Law No. 14,946/2024, in contrast to the regulatory frameworks of six major countries that have a planetary defense initiative in place. The study revealed important components such as formal acknowledgment of the threat, assignment of institutional responsibilities, and finance systems. The findings expose that Brazil has major legislative gaps that hinder the efficient development of national planetary defense capabilities, even though it has an established space program and pertinent scientific capability in astronomy. With a rising tendency toward integration between near-Earth object (NEO) monitoring programs and national civil defense systems, the comparative research reveals that all the space powers examined—except Brazil—have particular legal provisions for planetary defense. The study concludes that incorporating planetary defense into the Brazilian legal system would not only be a reaction to a growing issue but also a strategic chance for national scientific and technological advancement as well as for establishing Brazil as a proactive participant in world space governance.