Preliminary Studies for the Launch Vehicle VLS Alfa
- Paper number
IAC-07-D2.4.07
- Author
Dr. Paulo Moraes Jr., CTA/ Institute of Aeronautics and Space, Brazil
- Coauthor
Mr. Alexandre Garcia, CTA/ Institute of Aeronautics and Space, Brazil
- Coauthor
Mr. Mauro Kochi Yamamoto, CTA-IAE, Brazil
- Year
2007
- Abstract
Continuing the development of satellite launch vehicles according to the National Program for Space Activities (PNAE) of the Brazilian Space Agency (AEB), a new launch vehicle program has been established in the year 2005. The launch vehicle program, called Program Cruzeiro do Sul, considers the development of five new vehicles until the year 2022. The first vehicle of the Cruzeiro do Sul launcher family is the VLS Alfa, which is based on the low part of the VLS-1, solid propellant first and second stages, and a new liquid propellant engine replacing the solid propellant third and fourth stages. The article presents the results obtained for preliminary feasibility and performance studies which indicates that the proposed three stage configuration has good capabilities to carry small payloads into low earth orbits.
- Abstract document