VLS-1 development started in 1984, after the first launch of the Sonda IV rocket. To date, three prototypes have been built and two launches attempted, departing from the Alcântara Launch Center. During the V1 and V2 prototype launches technical problems prevented mission success, but allowed the testing of several vehicle components. The V3 prototype exploded on the launch pad on 22 August 2003, two days before its intended launch date. The 2003 Alcântara VLS accident caused a considerable setback to the Brazilian space program. The V4 prototype was expected to be launched in 2016. The project was terminated by Brazilian Space Agency in 2016. The Departamento de Ciência e Tecnologia Aeroespacial and the Agência Espacial Brasileira informed on public audience before the VLS-1 project ended by the Senado Federal on February 16, 2016.
The VLS-R2 test vehicle had two stages, arranged in the following configuration:
Stage 1 - four S-20 rocket engines
Stage 2 - one S-20 rocket engine
VLS-XVI 01 sub-orbital test vehicle (2016, planned)
The VLS-XVI 01 sub-orbital test vehicle has three solid fuel rocket stages and boosters, arranged in the following configuration:
Stage 0 - four S-43 rocket engines
Stage 1 - one S-43TM rocket engine
Stage 2 - dummy S-40TM rocket engine
Stage 3 - dummy S-44 rocket engine
VLS-1 operational configuration (2018, planned)
The VLS-1 has three solid fuel rocket stages and boosters, arranged in the following configuration:
Stage 0 - four S-43 rocket engines
Stage 1 - one S-43TM rocket engine
Stage 2 - one S-40TM rocket engine
Stage 3 - one S-44 rocket engine
The rocket has four 400N RCS jets, located on the top of the third stage.
Developments
VLM
The VLM based on the S50 rocket engine is being studied, with the objective of orbiting satellites up to 150 kg in circular orbits ranging from 250 to 700 km. It will be a three-stage rocket, expected to launch the SHEFEX III mission by the German Aerospace Center in 2016.
"Cruzeiro do Sul" (Southern Cross) program
VLS Alfa
In the framework of the proposed Cruzeiro do Sul program, the VLS-1 rocket is the basis of the VLS Alfa project. L5 rocket based configuration - three-stage rocket, with the upper stage being liquid-fuel, putting 200 to 400 kg satellites into low equatorial orbits:
Stage 0 - four S-43 rocket engines
Stage 1 - one S-43TM rocket engine
Stage 2 - one S-40TM rocket engine
Stage 3 - one L5 rocket engine
L75 rocket based configuration - two-stage rocket, with the upper stage being liquid-fuel, putting 500 kg satellites equatorial orbits up to 750 km:
Stage 0 - four S-43 rocket engines
Stage 1 - one S-43TM rocket engine
Stage 2 - one L75 rocket engine
VLS Beta
The VLS Beta is another related project, intended to lift up to 800 kg payloads to an 800 km equatorial orbit. Three-stage rocket, with the upper two stages being liquid-fuel.
