Sub-Orbital Vehicle Takes 400kg Payload to 270km
The Brazilian Air Force has signed a technology transfer contract with Avibras Industria Aeroespacial, through which the Institute of Aeronautics and Space (IAE) arm of the Aerospace Science and Technology Department (DCTA) grants the company a licence for production and commercialisation of the VSB-30 Suborbital Vehicle.
The objective of the agreement, signed by the Director General of DCTA, Lieutenant Brigadeiro do Ar Luiz Fernando de Aguiar and the Executive Director of Avibras, João Brasil Carvalho Leite, is to commercialise the VSB-30 in the export market. Importantly, Avibras will be authorised to improve and increase its use, which will accelerate development of national launch vehicles that are competitive in the international market, as well as to use the technology in other products.
The 12m long VSB-30 weighs over 2,500kg, has two stage solid propulsion and has a payload capacity of 400kg to an altitude of 270km, allowing the payload to remain above 110km for approximately six minutes.
Santiago Rivas and Florencia Lucero Heguy in Buenos Aires for MON