COOPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT: THE FUTURE OF THE PROGRAM VLS

摘要

This paper focuses on the development of the Brazilian Space Program during the period of 2005 to 2014, the so called second edition of the National Program of Space Activities (Programa Nacional de Atividades Espaciais - PNAE). Brazil is developing its own prototype of launch vehicle, the Veiculo Langador de Satelites (VLS-1) rocket, but has still to achieve a successful flight test. The program foresees the construction of a launcher composed by four stages. At the present time the Brazilian scientists are working on an upgraded version of the VLS-1 denominated as VLS-1 B which is in investigation stage yet. This new launcher probably will fly with liquid fuel in its third stage with a capacity of injection of satellites weighting up to 800 kg into a Low Earth Orbit till 750 km. The acquisition, in cooperation with other countries, of know-how with liquid-fuel engines which permit the development of launchers of medium and big carrying capacity and their placement into the GTO is of utmost importance for the Brazilian Space Program.