Who's Next in Space?

Images: Alcantara Launch Pad, ALP: post explosion, VLS rocket
Info: VLS specs, International rocket specs

The European Space Agency, despite any funding plan whatsoever, announced a very aggressive Space exploration program recently, prompting some lawmakers (and all scientists) there to call for immediate funds to be provided.
Almost sounds like a fairy tale, doesn't it? But it's true. Seems Europeans recognize their Space capabilities are severely lacking and fear losing economic gains in the very near future from a lack of launch facilities and commercial programs. Currently they supply science equipment and modules for the International Space Station and operate some long-range probes and satellites, but have never launched an astronaut of their own. That may soon change.
In fact, lots of big changes are afoot across the pond.
But as it turns out, this post isn't about the ESA. It's about that other up-and-coming Space program people should be aware of.
No, not China. Brazil.
A few years ago they stood ready to burst onto the scene with their own manned Space program. Then in 2003 a tragic accident halted their entire program; launch facilities and Spacecraft were destroyed, as were all mission specialists, engineers and Space scientists.
But that's not the end. Although their program was all but erased, Brazil is committed to manned Space flight and insists it will have a renewed Space program by 2006.
Considering the number of active international and domestic Space programs aimed at manned flight by the end of the decade, anyone interested in riding in a rocket should have some way of getting there by then.
Now we need to work on those Warp Drives and Transporters...