The VLM ( Veículo Lançador de Microsatélites ) 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. The first launch is currently planned for no earlier than 2027.
7-491: A version based on the S-50 rocket motor is being developed, with the objective of launching satellites of up to 150 kg into equatorial circular orbits at 300 km altitude. The VLM-1 vehicle is designed to deliver up to 150 kg (330 lb) to a 300 km equatorial circular orbit. VLM-1 is projected to have a total mass of 28,000 kg (62,000 lb), including 10 tons of propellant. The first two stages will use
14-671: A mass of about 15 tons. All launches are planned to take place from the Alcântara Launch Center , located on Brazil's northern Atlantic coast. On 1 October 2021, the Brazilian Space Agency successfully conducted the first full static fire test of the S-50 motor, lasting 84 seconds. When the VLM design and tests are completed to satisfaction, it is planned to develop a larger rocket family called VLX , targeting
21-686: The VS-40 and technology developed for the VLS-1 project. Initially, a four-stage rocket using solid fuel was proposed, arranged in the following order: In 2011 it was decided to build a precursor single-stage rocket bearing a new motor called S-50. The vehicle is being developed and its motor tested in collaboration with the German Space Agency (DLR). This precursor test is called VS-50 . The VS-50 vehicle measures 12 m (39 ft) long, 1.46 m (4 ft 9 in) in diameter, and has
28-571: The Alcântara Launch Center could insert satellites weighing up to 500 kg into polar orbits with a transport cost of approximately US$ 39,000 per kilogram of payload. The qualification flight is VLM-1 (or XVT-00). [REDACTED] Media related to VLM (rocket) at Wikimedia Commons VS-40 Too Many Requests If you report this error to the Wikimedia System Administrators, please include
35-512: The S-50 solid fuel engine, with the third using the same S-44 engine as in the VS-40 sounding rocket. Launches will be from the Alcântara Launch Center , located at the equator. There are plans to expand this design into the VLX launcher family, by adding liquid fuel upper stages or strap-on boosters. Development on VLM started in 2008 for the purpose of low-cost and reliable launch of microsatellites, based on existing Brazilian sounding rockets like
42-444: The delivery of payloads of between 300 and 500 kg to low Earth orbit . 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). An early concept calls for two lateral S-50 motor configured as strap-on boosters . A new liquid fuel engine, called L-75, is being designed for this launcher family. As of 2018, it
49-472: Was hoped that the maiden flight of Aquila 1 would take place in 2023, and that of Aquila 2 in 2026. In the future, the L5 liquid fuel rocket engine will replace the solid 3rd stage engine. The configuration will be: Brazilian researchers have studied the possibility of a cost-competitive launch system using S-50 motors in the first two stages and a set of liquid engines in the third stage. This system operating from
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