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Wikipedia / VLS-1

The VLS-1 () was the Brazilian Space Agency's main satellite launch vehicle. The launch vehicle would have been capable of launching satellites into orbit. The launch site was located at the Alcântara Launch Center due to its proximity to the equator.

Associated vehicles include the Sonda I, Sonda II, Sonda III and Sonda IV, the VS-30, VS-40 and VSB-30.

The VLS was cancelled after decades of development and high expenditures with poor results and a failed association with Ukraine that slowed the program for years.

History

VLS-1 development started in 1984, after the first launch of the Sonda IV rocket. To date, three prototypes have been built and two launches attempted, departing from the Alcântara Launch Center. During the V1 and V2 prototype launches (VLS-1 V1 and VLS-1 V2) technical problems prevented mission success, but allowed the testing of several vehicle components. The V3 prototype exploded on the launch pad on 22 August 2003, two days before its intended launch date. The 2003 Alcântara VLS accident caused a considerable setback to the Brazilian space program. The V4 prototype was expected to be launched in 2016.

The project was terminated by Brazilian Space Agency in 2016.

The (DCTA) (Department of Aerospace Science and Technology) and the Agência Espacial Brasileira (AEB) (Brazilian Space Agency) informed on public audience before the VLS-1 project ended by the Senado Federal (Federal Senate) on February 16, 2016.

VLS-1 schedule

Initial flight test schedule

Final schedule

The V04 prototype was originally scheduled for launch in 2006. Further testing has resumed in 2008. The final VLS-1 schedule was as follows:

VLS Configurations

VLS-R1 test vehicle (1985)

The VLS-R1 test vehicle had two stages, arranged in the following configuration:

  • Stage 1 - four S-20 rocket engines

  • Stage 2 - one dummy S-20 rocket engine

VLS-R2 test vehicle (1989)

The VLS-R2 test vehicle had two stages, arranged in the following configuration:

  • Stage 1 - four S-20 rocket engines

  • Stage 2 - one S-20 rocket engine

VLS-XVI 01 sub-orbital test vehicle (2016, planned)

The VLS-XVI 01 sub-orbital test vehicle has three solid fuel rocket stages and boosters, arranged in the following configuration:

VLS-1 operational configuration (2018, planned)

The VLS-1 has three solid fuel rocket stages and boosters, arranged in the following configuration:

  • Stage 0 - four S-43 rocket engines

  • Stage 1 - one S-43TM rocket engine

  • Stage 2 - one S-40TM rocket engine

  • Stage 3 - one S-44 rocket engine

The rocket has four 400N RCS jets, located on the top of the third stage.

Developments

VLM

The VLM (Veículo Lançador de Microssatélites) based on the S50 rocket engine is being studied, with the objective of orbiting satellites up to 150kg in circular orbits ranging from 250 to 700km. It will be a three-stage rocket, expected to launch the SHEFEX III mission by the German Aerospace Center (DLR) in 2023.

"Cruzeiro do Sul" (Southern Cross) program

VLS Alfa

In the framework of the proposed Cruzeiro do Sul program, the VLS-1 rocket is the basis of the VLS Alfa project.

L5 rocket based configuration - three-stage rocket, with the upper stage being liquid-fuel, putting 200 to 400kg satellites into low equatorial orbits:

  • Stage 0 - four S-43 rocket engines

  • Stage 1 - one S-43TM rocket engine

  • Stage 2 - one S-40TM rocket engine

  • Stage 3 - one L5 rocket engine

L75 rocket based configuration - two-stage rocket, with the upper stage being liquid-fuel, putting 500kg satellites equatorial orbits up to 750km:

  • Stage 0 - four S-43 rocket engines

  • Stage 1 - one S-43TM rocket engine

  • Stage 2 - one L75 rocket engine

VLS Beta

The VLS Beta is another related project, intended to lift up to 800kg payloads to an 800km equatorial orbit. Its first flight was planned for 2020.

Three-stage rocket, with the upper two stages being liquid-fuel.

  • Stage 1 - one P40 solid rocket engine

  • Stage 2 - one L300 rocket engines

  • Stage 3 - one L75 rocket engine

Projected flights are:

VLS Gama

The VLS Gama is intended to carry up to 1000kg payloads to an 800km polar orbit. Three-stage liquid-fuel rocket.

VLS Delta

The VLS Delta is capable of placing 2000kg payloads in a geostationary orbit. Three-stage liquid-fuel rocket (VLS BETA body) with two solid fuel boosters.

VLS Epsilon

The VLS Epsilon is capable of placing 4000kg payloads in a geostationary orbit. Three-stage liquid-fuel rocket (VLS BETA body) with two liquid-fuel boosters.

Gallery

See also

References