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.''Saiba como está o projeto Veículo Lançador de Satélite (VLS)''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 engineVLS-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 engineVLS-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: * Stage 0 - four S-43 rocket engines * Stage 1 - one S-43TM rocket engine * Stage 2 - dummy S-40TM rocket engine * Stage 3 - dummy S-44 rocket engineVLS-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 400NDevelopments
VLM
The VLM (''Veículo Lançador de Microssatélites'') based on the S50 rocket engine is being studied, with the objective of orbiting satellites up to 150 kg in circular orbits ranging from 250 to 700 km. It will be a three-stage rocket, expected to launch the SHEFEX III mission by the German Aerospace Center (DLR) in 2023.Brazilian space plans: 2011-2015"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 400 kg 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 500 kg satellites equatorial orbits up to 750 km: * Stage 0 - four S-43 rocket engines * Stage 1 - one S-43TM rocket engine * Stage 2 - one L75 rocket engineVLS Beta
The VLS Beta is another related project, intended to lift up to 800 kg payloads to an 800 km 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 1000 kg payloads to an 800 km polar orbit. Three-stage liquid-fuel rocket.VLS Delta
The VLS Delta is capable of placing 2000 kg 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 4000 kg payloads in a geostationary orbit. Three-stage liquid-fuel rocket (VLS BETA body) with two liquid-fuel boosters.Gallery
See also
* Comparison of orbital launchers familiesReferences
External links