VLS-1
The VLS-1 (Portuguese: Veículo Lançador de Satélites) was the Brazilian Space Agency's main satellite launch vehicle. The launch vehicle was to be capable of launching satellites into orbit. The launch site was located at the Alcântara Launch Center due to its proximity to the equator.
VLS-1 | |
| Function | Orbital launch vehicle |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | CTA |
| Country of origin | Brazil |
| Size | |
| Height | 19.5 m (64 ft) |
| Diameter | 1.01 m (3.3 ft) |
| Mass | 50,700 kg (111,800 lb) |
| Stages | 3 |
| Capacity | |
| Payload to low Earth orbit | |
| Mass | 380 kg (840 lb) |
| Launch history | |
| Status | Cancelled |
| Launch sites | Alcântara VLS Pad |
| Total launches | 2 |
| Failure(s) | 2 |
| Notable outcome(s) | 1 (pad explosion in 2003) |
| First flight | 2 November 1997 |
| Last flight | 11 December 1999 |
| Boosters – S-43 | |
| No. boosters | 4 |
| Powered by | 1 solid rocket booster |
| Total thrust | 303 kN (68,000 lbf) |
| Specific impulse | 225 s (2.21 km/s) |
| Burn time | 59 seconds |
| First stage – S-43TM | |
| Powered by | 1 solid rocket booster |
| Specific impulse | 277 s (2.72 km/s) |
| Burn time | 58 seconds |
| Second stage – S-40TM | |
| Powered by | 1 solid rocket booster |
| Specific impulse | 275 s (2.70 km/s) |
| Burn time | 56 seconds |
| Third stage – S-44 | |
| Powered by | 1 solid rocket booster |
| Specific impulse | 282 s (2.77 km/s) |
| Burn time | 68 seconds |
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.
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