VLM (rocket)

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VLM-1
Veículo Lançador de Microssatélites
Veículo Lançador de Microssatélite.jpg
The two projected VLM configurations
Function Orbital launch vehicle
Manufacturer CTA
Country of origin  Brazil
Size
Diameter 1.5 m
Stages 3
Capacity
Payload to LEO 200 kg
Launch history
Status In development
Launch sites Centro de Lançamento de Alcântara
First flight 2018 (planned)
First stage - S-50
Engines 1 Solid
Thrust ~400 kN
Specific impulse ~277 s (2.72 kN·s/kg)
Burn time ~60 seconds
Fuel Solid
Second stage - S-50
Engines 1 Solid
Thrust ~400 kN
Specific impulse ~277 s (2.72 kN·s/kg)
Burn time ~60 seconds
Fuel Solid
Third stage - S-44
Engines 1 Solid
Thrust 33.24 kN (7,473 lbf)
Specific impulse 282 s (2.77 kN·s/kg)
Burn time 68 seconds
Fuel Solid

Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found. The VLM (Veículo Lançador de Microssatélites) is a proposed Brazilian satellite launcher. The project originated as a simplified version of the VLS-1 rocket, using only the core stages.

Currently, a version 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 2016.[1][2][3]

On 12 June 2015, it was reported that the first flight will not take place before November 2018.[4]

Proposed flights

Engine test on a test stand is planned for the beginning of 2017. First flight of a single S50 stage, called VS-50 is planned for November 2017. The qualification flight is VLM XVT-00

# Photo Vehicle Payload Date Place Result
1 VLM XVT-00 - November 2018 - -
2 VLM V-01 SHEFEX III >2018 - -
3 VLM V-02 -  ?2016 - -
4 VLM V-03 -  ?2017 - -
5 VLM V-04 -  ?2018 - -
6 VLM V-05 -  ?2019 - -
7 VLM V-06 -  ?2020 - -

Configuration

Original VLS-1 derived

Initially, a four solid fuel rocket stages configuration was proposed, arranged in the following order:

  • Stage 1 - S-43 rocket engine
  • Stage 2 - S-40TM rocket engine
  • Stage 3 - S-44 rocket engine
  • Stage 4 - S-33 rocket engine

This configuration is related to the proposed VS-43 sounding rocket.

Current proposal (VLM-1)

Currently, the first two stages will use the new S50 12 tonnes[5] solid fuel engine, with the third using the same S-44 engine as in the VS-40 sounding rocket.[6] This configuration is related to the proposed VS-50 sounding rocket and known as VLM-1:[7]

  • Stage 1 - S50 rocket engine (to be developed)
  • Stage 2 - S50 rocket engine
  • Stage 3 - S-44 rocket engine

Planned versions

In the future, the L5 liquid fuel rocket engine will replace the solid 3rd stage engine:[6]

  • Stage 1 - S50 rocket engine (to be developed)
  • Stage 2 - S50 rocket engine
  • Stage 3 - L5 rocket engine (to be developed)

References

  1. Brazilian space plans: 2011-2015 nasaspaceflight.com. Retrieved on 2012-03-06.
  2. Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  3. Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  4. http://cyclone4.blogspot.nl/2015/09/o-programa-cruzeiro-do-sul-e-o-veiculo.html
  5. [1][dead link]
  6. 6.0 6.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.[dead link]
  7. Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.