VLM (rocket)
The VLM 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 October 2028
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.
VLM-1 description
The VLM-1 vehicle is designed to deliver up to to a 300 km equatorial circular orbit. VLM-1 is projected to have a total mass of, including 10 tons of propellant. The first two stages will use the S-50 solid fuel engine, with the third using the same S-44 engine as in the VS-40 sounding rocket.- Stage 1: S-50 rocket motor
- Stage 2: S-50 rocket motor
- Stage 3: S-44 rocket motor
Development history
Development on VLM started in 2008 for the purpose of low-cost and reliable launch of microsatellites, based on existing Brazilian sounding rockets like 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:
- Stage 1: S-43 rocket motor
- Stage 2: S-40TM rocket motor
- Stage 3: S-44 rocket motor
- Stage 4: S-33 rocket motor
VS-50
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. This precursor test is called VS-50. The VS-50 vehicle measures long, in diameter, and has 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.
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. The VLX family will include two launchers named Aquila 1 and Aquila 2. 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 was hoped that the maiden flight of Aquila 1 would take place in 2023, and that of Aquila 2 in 2026.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 motor
- Stage 2: S-50 rocket motor
- Stage 3: L5 rocket engine
Other possibilities
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 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.Proposed flights
The qualification flight is VLM-1.| # | Vehicle | Payload | Date | Launch site |
| 1 | VLM-1 | Qualification | NET Oct 2028 | Alcântara VLS |
| 2 | VLM V-01 | SHEFEX III | 202x | Alcântara VLS |