Barreira do Inferno Launch Center
Centro de Lançamento da Barreira do Inferno
South America’s first rocket launch site, in operation since 1965, with an aerospace exhibition hall and visits by advance reservation.
The Barreira do Inferno Launch Center is located on the coast of Parnamirim, south of Natal. In 1965, it launched South America’s first sounding rocket. It is still operated by the Brazilian Air Force for suborbital rocket launches and tracking. The base has a small museum that displays rocket models, the history of launches, and Air Force equipment, and the sea cliffs outside are spectacular. As a military facility, it requires advance booking through official channels and carrying identification. Open dates are limited.
Opening hours
By reservation; guided tours usually on weekdays
Nearby sights
- Morro do Careca
- Ponta Negra Beach
- Pirangi Reefs
- Pirangi Cashew Tree
- Dunas de Natal State Park
- Câmara Cascudo Museum
- Natal Metropolitan Cathedral & Cidade Alta
- Natal Tourism Center