VLM (rocket)

The VLM (Veículo Lançador de Microssatélites) is a proposed three-stage satellite launcher being developed by the Brazilian General Command for Aerospace Technology in collaboration with Germany. The project originated in 2008 as a simplified version of the VLS-1 rocket, using only the core stages.

VLM-1
Veículo Lançador de Microssatélites
VLM-1 configuration
FunctionOrbital launch vehicle
ManufacturerCTA
Country of origin Brazil
Size
Height19.6 m (64 ft)
Diameter1.45 m (4 ft 9 in)
Mass28,000 kg (62,000 lb)
Stages3
Capacity
Payload to LEO150 kg (330 lb) to 300 km[1]
Launch history
StatusIn development
Launch sitesAlcântara Launch Center
First flight2019 (planned)
First stage – S-50
Motor1 Solid
Thrust~400 kN (90,000 lbf)
Specific impulse~277 s (2.72 km/s)
Burn time~60 seconds
FuelSolid
Second stage – S-50
Motor1 Solid
Thrust~400 kN (90,000 lbf)
Specific impulse~277 s (2.72 km/s)
Burn time~60 seconds
FuelSolid
Third stage – S-44
Motor1 Solid
Thrust33.24 kN (7,470 lbf)
Specific impulse282 s (2.77 km/s)
Burn time68 seconds
FuelSolid

A version based on the S-50 rocket engine is being developed, with the objective of launching satellites of up to 150 kg into equatorial circular orbits at 300 km altitude.[2]

Development history

Development on VLM started in 2008 for the purpose of low-cost and reliable launch of microsatellites.[1] Initially, a four-stage rocket using solid fuel 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

It was later decided in 2011 to build a precursor single-stage rocket bearing a new engine called S-50. The vehicle is being developed and its engine tested in collaboration with the German Space Agency (DLR).[1][3] This precursor test is called VS-50 and is planned for launch in 2019.[4][5] The VS-50 vehicle measures 12 m (39 ft) long, 1.46 m (4 ft 9 in) in diameter, and has a mass of about 15 tons.[1]

All launches are planned to take place from the Alcântara Launch Center, located on Brazil's northern Atlantic coast.

VLX family

When the VLM design and tests are completed to satisfaction, it is planned to develop a larger rocket family called VLX, targeting the delivery of payloads of between 300 and 500 kg to low Earth orbit.[1] The VLX family will include two launchers named Aquila 1 (for delivery of 300 kg to 500 km) and Aquila 2 (for delivery of 500 kg to 700 km into a polar orbit).[1] An early concept calls for two lateral S-50 engines configured as strap-on boosters.[1] A new liquid fuel engine, called L-75, is being designed for this launcher family. [1] It is hoped that the maiden flight of Aquila 1 will take place in 2023, and that of Aquila 2 in 2026.[1]

VLM-1

The VLM-1 vehicle is designed to deliver up to 150 kg (330 lb) payloads to a 300 km equatorial circular orbit.[1] VLM-1 is projected to have a total mass of 28,000 kg (62,000 lb), including 10 tons of propellant.[2] The first two stages will use the S-50 solid fuel engine,[6] with the third using the same S-44 engine as in the VS-40 sounding rocket.

  • Stage 1: S-50 rocket engine
  • Stage 2: S-50 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. The configuration will be:

  • Stage 1: S-50 rocket engine
  • Stage 2: S-50 rocket engine
  • Stage 3: L5 rocket engine (to be developed)

Proposed flights

The qualification flight is VLM-1 (or XVT-00).[4]

#VehiclePayloadDateLaunch site
1VLM-1
(XVT-00)		Qualification2019[4][7]
—
2VLM V-01SHEFEX III2021[4]
—
gollark: If we just add a wall of enough xenowyrms, eventually they'll stick.
gollark: Catzrule: find one everyone hates.
gollark: Probably nothing will happen, but it'll still be quite funny.
gollark: For what?
gollark: Probably people will just learn to be happy with the trickles of other dragons pouring in as stuff begins to run down to 0 days.

References
  1. Novos lançadores de satélites e nova empresa espacial para Alcântara (AEB). Roberto Caiafa, Tecnologia & Defensa. 2018 (in Portuguese).
  2. VLM-1. Brazilian Space Agency. Accessed on 24 January 2019.
  3. Brazil says ground test of micro-satellite launcher developed with Germany to occur this year. Peter B. de Selding, Space Intel. 4 January 2018.
  4. Brazil Launch Record (1983 to present). Steven S. Pietrobon. Accessed on 24 January 2019.
  5. "BRAZILIAN SPACE: Esclarecido, Realmente é o Mock Up do Motor-Foguete S-50". Brazilianspace.blogspot.pt. Retrieved 2012-07-17.
  7. "VLM". Gunter's Space Page.
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