VLS-1 V01: Difference between revisions

VLS-1 V01
	VLS-1 V01 launch
VLS-1 launch
Launch	2 November 1997, 12:25 a.m UTC
Operator	Ministry of Aeronautics; AEB; INPE;
Pad	Alcântara Launch Center VLS-Pad
Payload	SCD-2A
Outcome	Destroyed
Apogee	3,230 metres (10,600 ft)
Launch duration	65 seconds
	VLS-1 V02 →

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VLS-1 V01 was the first launch of the VLS-1 rocket that took place on November 2, 1997, from the Alcântara Launch Center with the goal of putting the SCD-2A satellite into orbit. The launch was unsuccessful, with the rocket being remotely destroyed due to deviation from its trajectory.

Background and goals

The VLS-1 rocket was originally proposed in 1979^[1] as part of the Brazilian Complete Space Mission [pt].^[2] It was originally planned to launch in 1989.^[3] However, it was later delayed to 1990,^[4] then 1994,^[5] 1995,^[6] finally becoming ready in 1997 within "Operation Brazil". The mission had the objective of placing in orbit the SCD-2A satellite developed by INPE, and to test the vehicle in flight.^[7]^[a] The first prototype of the VLS was 80% Brazilian technology.^[3]

The satellite was planned to be placed into a circular orbit with an altitude of 750 kilometers,^[9] and on February 20, the payload fairing separation test had already been successfully carried out.^[10] On July 1, 1997, the equipment was sent to the Alcântara base^[11] and both the rocket and the satellite were ready by August 1997.^[12] For a launch cost of R$7.215 million in 1997 (US$12.41 million in 2024), it would be cheaper than the U.S. rocket Pegasus which cost R$16.65 million (US$28.64 million in 2024) per launch.^[13]

The Ministry of Aeronautics [pt] barred the Press and civil authorities from attending the launch, claiming "security issues and lack of infrastructure" for receiving the press and guests at the base.^[14]^[15] As a result, President Fernando Henrique Cardoso had his visit to the base moved forward to October 21.^[16] Initially the launch was to take place in early September; however, delays at the center and the fact that the rocket was struck by lightning postponed the preparations. AEB sought to work with Embratel and Telebrás to broadcast the launch nationwide.^[17]

The launch was supposed to take place on October 26, 1997, but was delayed in the early hours of the same day due to a malfunction in the Doppler radar, made by Thomson-CSF, which would track the launch and identify the satellite's orbit.^[13]^[18] If the next attempt did not occur by the end of the planned window (November 10), the rocket would have to be put into a horizontal position due to the instability of its fuel.^[19]

Launch

On November 2, during the countdown, the timer had to be paused for about 15 minutes due to a plane crossing the restricted airspace.^[20]^[13]

At 12:25 a.m. (UTC) the rocket was launched^[b] with a mass of 50 tons at the time of launch. Within about a minute the technicians noticed a problem with strap-on booster D, which caused the rocket to climb at an incline. Although the vehicle corrected the inclination, about seven tons of dead weight unbalanced the ascent, which led, 65 seconds after launch, to the remote destruction of a satellite worth $5 million and a $6.5 million rocket.^[20]^[13]^[22] It was later revealed that of the four boosters, one was not engaged, causing it to go off course.^[23] The rocket was destroyed at a height of 3,230 metres (10,600 ft), and its debris fell into the interdicted sea area about 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) from the launch pad.^[13] At the time of the destruction, the rocket was going 700 km/h.^[24]^[c]

A 15-minute pause was taken in the picture chain operated by Radiobrás and broadcast to auditoriums with guests in Brasilia, São Luís and São José dos Campos. On the return of the broadcast, Colonel Thiago da Silva announced the failure.^[20]^[17]

Aftermath

Luiz Gylvan Meira Filho, the then-president of the Brazilian Space Agency, noted that the fact that the rocket sought to correct its trajectory was an engineering success.^[20] The investigation pointed to a malfunctioning "mechanical safety device", that hindered the transmission of the pyrotechnic order, as responsible for the accident.^[25]^[26] Fabio Wagner Costa, from the University Center of Brasilia, reports that the test was considered positive because it allowed "the validation of important components, including the control system".^[27]

A professor at the Aeronautics Institute of Technology, speaking anonymously to the media, said that the accident could have been avoided if the entire boosters assembly had been tested in an integrated manner, but the CTA tests only addressed each strap-on booster separately. The "integrated test", with all four boosters, only occurred with the launch, contrary to what the ITA had advised.^[23] The military was warned about the risk of an accident months before the launch.^[28] Not all the tests were performed on the safety mechanism responsible for the accident due to the pressure to get the launch done on time.^[26]

The next launch occurred in 1999, ending with the remote destruction of the vehicle and the SACI-2 satellite about three minutes after liftoff.^[29]

Flight profile

Mission timeline^[30]
Time	Event	Result
00:00	Liftoff	Booster D does not engage, which affects the orientation of the VLS.
00:55	2nd stage ignition	—
00:65	Remote destruction of the rocket
01:09	3rd stage ignition	—
02:11	Payload fairing separation	—
03:00	3rd stage shutdown	—
03:08	3rd stage separation	—
~07:00	4rd stage ignition	—
09:00	Satellite orbit injection	—

References

^ Berquó et al. 2004, p. 7.
^ Tribuna da Imprensa, 6 de novembro de 1997, p. 4.
^ ^a ^b ^c Jornal do Commercio, 21-22 de dezembro de 1997, p. 21.
^ Manchete, 8 de dezembro de 1984, p. 119.
^ Diário do Pará, 27 de maio de 1990, p. 5.
^ O Fluminense, 16 de junho de 1993, p. 7.
^ Berquó et al. 2004, p. 11.
^ Folha de S. Paulo, 11 de novembro de 1999.
^ Pioneiro, 30-31 de agosto de 1997, p. 19.
^ Folha de S. Paulo, 21 de fevereiro de 1997.
^ Jornal do Commercio, 2 de julho de 1997, p. 10.
^ Manchete, 16 de agosto de 1997, p. 49.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e Jornal do Brasil, 3 de novembro de 1997, p. 4.
^ A Tribuna, 22 de outubro de 1997, p. 4.
^ Jornal do Commercio, 22 de outubro de 1997, p. 12, Um super esquema de segurança.
^ Jornal do Commercio, 22 de outubro de 1997, p. 12.
^ ^a ^b Jornal do Commercio, 17 de outubro de 1997, p. 10.
^ A Tribuna, 27 de outubro de 1997, p. 10.
^ Jornal do Commercio, 2-3 de novembro de 1997, p. 14.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d Folha de São Paulo, 3 de novembro de 1997.
^ Jornal do Brasil, 22 de outubro de 1997, p. 6.
^ Palmerio 2017, p. 136.
^ ^a ^b O Pioneiro, 6 de novembro de 1997, p. 14.
^ Palmerio 2017, p. 138.
^ Berquó et al. 2004, p. 12.
^ ^a ^b Palmerio 2017, p. 137.
^ Costa 2004, p. 11.
^ Jornal do Commercio, 10 de novembro de 1997, p. 22.
^ Folha de Londrina, 12 de dezembro de 1999.
^ Bôas, IAE, pp. 18–22.

Notes

^ Much of the delay is due to the technological embargo Brazil suffered from the G-7. This only ended in 1995 when the country signed the treaty on non-proliferation of high destruction missiles (MITCR).^[3] Another reason was the lack of financial resources for the project.^[8]
^ "Jornal do Brasil" said that the rocket would be ignited by President Fernando Henrique Cardoso from the Planalto Palace through a satellite transmission system.^[21]
^ The accident sequence is technically described in Palmerio 2017, pp. 136–139

Bibliography

(Chronological order)

Maria, Joaquim (1984-12-08). "Com a subida do Sonda IV, o futuro está lançado". Manchete (in Brazilian Portuguese). No. 1703. p. 119. Retrieved 2024-02-18.
"Brasil constrói seu primeiro satélite genuíno". Diário do Pará (in Brazilian Portuguese). Vol. 7, no. 2478. 1990-05-27. p. 5.
"Inpe deverá ter reforço orçamentário". O Fluminense (in Brazilian Portuguese). Vol. 116, no. 33669. 1993-06-16. p. 7.
Bonalume Neto, Ricardo (1997-02-21). "Teste aprova foguete e satélite brasileiros". Folha de S. Paulo (in Brazilian Portuguese).
"Equipamentos para a base de Alcântara". Jornal do Commercio (in Brazilian Portuguese). Vol. 170, no. 221. 1997-07-02. p. 10.
Cardoso, Beatriz (1997-08-16). "O Brasil entre as Potências". Manchete (in Brazilian Portuguese). No. 2367. pp. 49–50.
"Foguete brasileiro colocará em órbita o satélite SCD2A". O Pioneiro (in Brazilian Portuguese). Vol. 49, no. 6780. August 1997. p. 19.
"Brasil prepara novo satélite". Jornal do Commercio (in Brazilian Portuguese). Vol. 171. 1997-10-17. p. 10.
"Brasil rumo ao espaço". Jornal do Brasil (in Brazilian Portuguese). Vol. 107, no. 197. 1997-10-22. p. 6.
"VLS deixa Brasil entre os 8 mais em conquistas espaciais". A Tribuna (in Brazilian Portuguese). Vol. 104, no. 211. 1997-10-22. p. 4.
"Foguete brasileiro já está na base". Jornal do Commercio (in Brazilian Portuguese). Vol. 171. 1997-10-22. p. 12.
"Lançamento do foguete VLS é suspenso". A Tribuna (in Brazilian Portuguese). Vol. 104, no. 216. 1997-10-27. p. 10.
Neto, Ricardo Bolanume (1997-11-03). "Foguete brasileiro fracassa, é destruído e cai no mar". Folha de São Paulo (in Brazilian Portuguese). Archived from the original on 2004-01-30.
"Lançamento de foguete acaba em explosão". Jornal do Brasil (in Brazilian Portuguese). Vol. 107, no. 209. 1997-11-03. p. 4.
"Aeronáutica prevê lançamento de satélite neste domingo". Jornal do Commercio (in Brazilian Portuguese). Vol. 171. November 1997. p. 14.
"Fracasso do foguete estava previsto". O Pioneiro (in Brazilian Portuguese). Vol. 50, no. 6838. 1997-11-06. p. 14.
Lino, Geraldo Luís (1997-11-06). "O Brasil reumo à aventura de conquistar o espaço". Tribuna da Imprensa (in Brazilian Portuguese). Vol. 48, no. 14586. p. 4.
"Especialista apontou falha no foguete". Jornal do Commercio (in Brazilian Portuguese). 1997-11-10. p. 22.
Monteiro, Ricardo Rego (December 1997). "Brasil, o novo sócio do clube dos satélites". Jornal do Commercio (in Brazilian Portuguese). p. 21.
"Acidente adiou projeto em 97". Folha de S. Paulo (in Brazilian Portuguese). 1999-11-11.
Ottoboni, Júlio (1999-12-12). "Inpe cancela programa de microssatélites, após fracasso com Saci-2". Folha de Londrina (in Brazilian Portuguese).
Berquó, Jolan Eduardo; Coelho, Elizabeth Cabral; Martinolli, João Bosco; Corrêa, Cleber Souza (February 2004). Relatório da Investigação do Acidente ocorrido com o VLS-1 VO3, em 22 de agosto de 2003, em Alcântara, Maranhão (PDF). São José dos Campos. p. 118. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2013-11-08.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
Costa, Fabio Wagner (2004). O Programa Espacial Brasileiro (PDF) (Monograph) (in Brazilian Portuguese). Centro Universitário de Brasília. p. 60.
Bôas, Danton José Fortes Villas. O Veículo Lançador de Satélites - VLS-1 (PDF) (Thesis) (in Brazilian Portuguese). IAE. p. 24.
Palmerio, Ariovaldo Feliz (2017). Introdução à Tecnologia de Foguetes (PDF) (in Brazilian Portuguese) (2 ed.). São José dos Campos: SindCT. p. 304. ISBN 978-85-62042-05-8.

[FOOTNOTEBerquóCoelhoMartinolliCorrêa20047-1] Berquó et al. 2004, p. 7.

[FOOTNOTE''Tribuna_da_Imprensa'',_6_de_novembro_de19974-2] Tribuna da Imprensa, 6 de novembro de 1997, p. 4.

[FOOTNOTE''Jornal_do_Commercio'',_21-22_de_dezembro_de199721-3] Jornal do Commercio, 21-22 de dezembro de 1997, p. 21.

[FOOTNOTE''Manchete'',_8_de_dezembro_de1984119-4] Manchete, 8 de dezembro de 1984, p. 119.

[FOOTNOTE''Diário_do_Pará'',_27_de_maio_de19905-5] Diário do Pará, 27 de maio de 1990, p. 5.

[FOOTNOTE''O_Fluminense'',_16_de_junho_de19937-6] O Fluminense, 16 de junho de 1993, p. 7.

[FOOTNOTEBerquóCoelhoMartinolliCorrêa200411-7] Berquó et al. 2004, p. 11.

[FOOTNOTE''Folha_de_S._Paulo'',_11_de_novembro_de1999-8] Folha de S. Paulo, 11 de novembro de 1999.

[FOOTNOTE''Pioneiro'',_30-31_de_agosto_de199719-10] Pioneiro, 30-31 de agosto de 1997, p. 19.

[FOOTNOTE''Folha_de_S._Paulo'',_21_de_fevereiro_de1997-11] Folha de S. Paulo, 21 de fevereiro de 1997.

[FOOTNOTE''Jornal_do_Commercio'',_2_de_julho_de199710-12] Jornal do Commercio, 2 de julho de 1997, p. 10.

[FOOTNOTE''Manchete'',_16_de_agosto_de199749-13] Manchete, 16 de agosto de 1997, p. 49.

[FOOTNOTE''Jornal_do_Brasil'',_3_de_novembro_de19974-14] Jornal do Brasil, 3 de novembro de 1997, p. 4.

[FOOTNOTE''A_Tribuna'',_22_de_outubro_de19974-15] A Tribuna, 22 de outubro de 1997, p. 4.

[FOOTNOTE''Jornal_do_Commercio'',_22_de_outubro_de199712Um_super_esquema_de_segurança-16] Jornal do Commercio, 22 de outubro de 1997, p. 12, Um super esquema de segurança.

[FOOTNOTE''Jornal_do_Commercio'',_22_de_outubro_de199712-17] Jornal do Commercio, 22 de outubro de 1997, p. 12.

[FOOTNOTE''Jornal_do_Commercio'',_17_de_outubro_de199710-18] Jornal do Commercio, 17 de outubro de 1997, p. 10.

[FOOTNOTE''A_Tribuna'',_27_de_outubro_de199710-19] A Tribuna, 27 de outubro de 1997, p. 10.

[FOOTNOTE''Jornal_do_Commercio'',_2-3_de_novembro_de199714-20] Jornal do Commercio, 2-3 de novembro de 1997, p. 14.

[FOOTNOTE''Folha_de_São_Paulo'',_3_de_novembro_de1997-21] Folha de São Paulo, 3 de novembro de 1997.

[FOOTNOTE''Jornal_do_Brasil'',_22_de_outubro_de19976-22] Jornal do Brasil, 22 de outubro de 1997, p. 6.

[FOOTNOTEPalmerio2017136-24] Palmerio 2017, p. 136.

[FOOTNOTE''O_Pioneiro'',_6_de_novembro_de199714-25] O Pioneiro, 6 de novembro de 1997, p. 14.

[FOOTNOTEPalmerio2017138-26] Palmerio 2017, p. 138.

[FOOTNOTEBerquóCoelhoMartinolliCorrêa200412-28] Berquó et al. 2004, p. 12.

[FOOTNOTEPalmerio2017137-29] Palmerio 2017, p. 137.

[FOOTNOTECosta200411-30] Costa 2004, p. 11.

[FOOTNOTE''Jornal_do_Commercio'',_10_de_novembro_de199722-31] Jornal do Commercio, 10 de novembro de 1997, p. 22.

[FOOTNOTE''Folha_de_Londrina'',_12_de_dezembro_de1999-32] Folha de Londrina, 12 de dezembro de 1999.

[FOOTNOTE''Bôas'',_IAE18–22-33] Bôas, IAE, pp. 18–22.

[9] Much of the delay is due to the technological embargo Brazil suffered from the G-7. This only ended in 1995 when the country signed the treaty on non-proliferation of high destruction missiles (MITCR).^[3] Another reason was the lack of financial resources for the project.^[8]

[23] "Jornal do Brasil" said that the rocket would be ignited by President Fernando Henrique Cardoso from the Planalto Palace through a satellite transmission system.^[21]

[27] The accident sequence is technically described in Palmerio 2017, pp. 136–139

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[3]

[4]

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[6]

[7]

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[9]

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@@ Line 4: / Line 4: @@
 | upright    =
 | alt        =
-| caption    = Moments after the launch
+| caption    = VLS-1 V01 launch
 | rocket     = [[VLS-1]]
 | launch     = 2 November 1997, 12:25 a.m UTC
@@ Line 29: / Line 29: @@
 | next       = [[VLS-1 V02]]
 }}
-'''VLS-1 V01''' was the first launch of the VLS-1 rocket that took place on November 2, 1997, from the [[Alcantara Space Center|Alcântara Launch Center ]] with the goal of putting the [[Satélite de Coleta de Dados#SCD-2A|SCD-2A]] satellite into orbit. The launch was unsuccessful after the rocket was remotely destroyed due to deviation from its trajectory.
+'''VLS-1 V01''' was the first launch of the VLS-1 rocket that took place on November 2, 1997, from the [[Alcantara Space Center|Alcântara Launch Center ]] with the goal of putting the [[Satélite de Coleta de Dados#SCD-2A|SCD-2A]] satellite into orbit. The launch was unsuccessful, with the rocket being remotely destroyed due to deviation from its trajectory.
 ==Background and goals==
-The [[VLS-1]] rocket was originally proposed in 1979{{Sfn|Berquó|Coelho|Martinolli|Corrêa|2004|p=7}} as part of the {{ill|Brazilian Complete Space Mission|pt|Missão Espacial Completa Brasileira}}{{sfn|''Tribuna da Imprensa'', 6 de novembro de|1997|p=4}} having its first launch originally planned for 1989,{{sfn|''Jornal do Commercio'', 21-22 de dezembro de|1997|p=21}} then in 1990,{{sfn|''Manchete'', 8 de dezembro de|1984|p=119}} 1994,{{sfn|''Diário do Pará'', 27 de maio de|1990|p=5}} 1995,{{sfn|''O Fluminense'', 16 de junho de|1993|p=7}} and finally in 1997 it had its first prototype ready within "Operation Brazil", with the objective of placing in orbit the [[Satélite de Coleta de Dados#SCD-2A|SCD-2A]] satellite, developed by [[National Institute for Space Research|INPE]], and to test the vehicle in flight.{{Sfn|Berquó|Coelho|Martinolli|Corrêa|2004|p=11}}{{efn|Much of the delay is due to the technological embargo Brazil suffered from the [[G7|G-7]]. This only ended in 1995 when the country signed the treaty on non-proliferation of high destruction missiles (MITCR).{{sfn|''Jornal do Commercio'', 21-22 de dezembro de|1997|p=21}} Another reason was the lack of financial resources for the project.{{sfn|''Folha de S. Paulo'', 11 de novembro de|1999}}}} The first prototype of the VLS was 80% Brazilian technology.{{sfn|''Jornal do Commercio'', 21-22 de dezembro de|1997|p=21}}
+The [[VLS-1]] rocket was originally proposed in 1979{{Sfn|Berquó|Coelho|Martinolli|Corrêa|2004|p=7}} as part of the {{ill|Brazilian Complete Space Mission|pt|Missão Espacial Completa Brasileira}}.{{sfn|''Tribuna da Imprensa'', 6 de novembro de|1997|p=4}} It was originally planned to launch in 1989.{{sfn|''Jornal do Commercio'', 21-22 de dezembro de|1997|p=21}} However, it was later delayed to 1990,{{sfn|''Manchete'', 8 de dezembro de|1984|p=119}} then 1994,{{sfn|''Diário do Pará'', 27 de maio de|1990|p=5}} 1995,{{sfn|''O Fluminense'', 16 de junho de|1993|p=7}} finally becoming ready in 1997 within "Operation Brazil". The mission had the objective of placing in orbit the [[Satélite de Coleta de Dados#SCD-2A|SCD-2A]] satellite developed by [[National Institute for Space Research|INPE]], and to test the vehicle in flight.{{Sfn|Berquó|Coelho|Martinolli|Corrêa|2004|p=11}}{{efn|Much of the delay is due to the technological embargo Brazil suffered from the [[G7|G-7]]. This only ended in 1995 when the country signed the treaty on non-proliferation of high destruction missiles (MITCR).{{sfn|''Jornal do Commercio'', 21-22 de dezembro de|1997|p=21}} Another reason was the lack of financial resources for the project.{{sfn|''Folha de S. Paulo'', 11 de novembro de|1999}}}} The first prototype of the VLS was 80% Brazilian technology.{{sfn|''Jornal do Commercio'', 21-22 de dezembro de|1997|p=21}}
-The satellite would be placed in an orbit at an altitude of 750 kilometers.{{sfn|''Pioneiro'', 30-31 de agosto de|1997|p=19}} On July 1 the equipment was sent to the [[Alcântara Launch Center|Alcântara]] base{{sfn|''Jornal do Commercio'', 2 de julho de|1997|p=10}} and both the rocket and the satellite were ready by August 1997.{{sfn|''Manchete'', 16 de agosto de|1997|p=49}} The launch cost R$16&nbsp;million (US$ {{To USD/data/1997|16000000|BRA}}){{sfn|''Jornal do Brasil'', 22 de outubro de|1997|p=6}} and aimed to show potential customers the reliability of the Brazilian rocket, which for US$6.5&nbsp;million, was cheaper than the U.S. rocket [[Northrop Grumman Pegasus|Pegasus]] for US$15&nbsp;million.{{sfn|''Jornal do Brasil'', 3 de novembro de|1997|p=4}}
+The satellite was planned to be placed into a circular orbit with an altitude of 750 kilometers,{{sfn|''Pioneiro'', 30-31 de agosto de|1997|p=19}} and on February 20, the payload fairing separation test had already been successfully carried out.{{sfn|''Folha de S. Paulo'', 21 de fevereiro de|1997}} On July 1, 1997, the equipment was sent to the [[Alcântara Launch Center|Alcântara]] base{{sfn|''Jornal do Commercio'', 2 de julho de|1997|p=10}} and both the rocket and the satellite were ready by August 1997.{{sfn|''Manchete'', 16 de agosto de|1997|p=49}} For a launch cost of R$7.215 million in 1997 (US$12.41 million in 2024), it would be cheaper than the U.S. rocket [[Northrop Grumman Pegasus|Pegasus]] which cost R$16.65&nbsp;million (US$28.64 million in 2024) per launch.{{sfn|''Jornal do Brasil'', 3 de novembro de|1997|p=4}}
 The {{ill|Ministry of Aeronautics (Brazil)|pt|Ministério da Aeronáutica|lt=Ministry of Aeronautics}} barred the Press and civil authorities from attending the launch, claiming "security issues and lack of infrastructure" for receiving the press and guests at the base.{{sfn|''A Tribuna'', 22 de outubro de|1997|p=4}}{{sfn|''Jornal do Commercio'', 22 de outubro de|1997|p=12|loc=Um super esquema de segurança}} As a result, President [[Fernando Henrique Cardoso]] had his visit to the base moved forward to October 21.{{sfn|''Jornal do Commercio'', 22 de outubro de|1997|p=12}} Initially the launch was to take place in early September; however, delays at the center and the fact that the rocket was struck by lightning postponed the preparations. AEB sought to work with [[Embratel]] and [[Telebrás]] to broadcast the launch nationwide.{{sfn|''Jornal do Commercio'', 17 de outubro de|1997|p=10}}
+The launch was supposed to take place on October 26, 1997, but was delayed in the early hours of the same day due to a malfunction in the Doppler radar, made by [[Thomson-CSF]], which would track the launch and identify the satellite's orbit.{{sfn|''Jornal do Brasil'', 3 de novembro de|1997|p=4}}{{sfn|''A Tribuna'', 27 de outubro de|1997|p=10}} If the next attempt did not occur by the end of the planned window (November 10), the rocket would have to be put into a horizontal position due to the instability of its fuel.{{sfn|''Jornal do Commercio'', 2-3 de novembro de|1997|p=14}}
 ==Launch==
+On November 2, during the countdown, the timer had to be paused for about 15 minutes due to a plane crossing the restricted airspace.{{sfn|''Folha de São Paulo'', 3 de novembro de|1997}}{{sfn|''Jornal do Brasil'', 3 de novembro de|1997|p=4}}
-===1st attempt===
-The launch was supposed to take place on October 26, 1997, but was delayed in the early hours of the same day due to a malfunction in the doopler radar, made by [[Thomson-CSF|Thomson]], which would track the launch and identify the satellite's orbit.{{sfn|''Jornal do Brasil'', 3 de novembro de|1997|p=4}}{{sfn|''A Tribuna'', 27 de outubro de|1997|p=10}} If the next attempt did not occur by the end of the planned window (November 10), the rocket would have to be put into a horizontal position due to the instability of its fuel.{{sfn|''Jornal do Commercio'', 2-3 de novembro de|1997|p=14}}
+At 12:25 a.m. (UTC) the rocket was launched{{efn|"Jornal do Brasil" said that the rocket would be ignited by President [[Fernando Henrique Cardoso]] from the [[Planalto Palace]] through a satellite transmission system.{{sfn|''Jornal do Brasil'', 22 de outubro de|1997|p=6}}}} with a mass of 50 tons at the time of launch. Within about a minute the technicians noticed a problem with [[strap-on booster]] D, which caused the rocket to climb at an incline. Although the vehicle corrected the inclination, about seven tons of dead weight unbalanced the ascent, which led, 65 seconds after launch, to the remote destruction of a satellite worth $5&nbsp;million and a $6.5&nbsp;million rocket.{{sfn|''Folha de São Paulo'', 3 de novembro de|1997}}{{sfn|''Jornal do Brasil'', 3 de novembro de|1997|p=4}}{{sfn|Palmerio|2017|p=136}} It was later revealed that of the four boosters, one was not engaged, causing it to go off course.{{sfn|''O Pioneiro'', 6 de novembro de|1997|p=14}} The rocket was destroyed at a height of {{convert|3230|m|ft}}, and its debris fell into the interdicted sea area about {{convert|2|km|mi}} from the launch pad.{{sfn|''Jornal do Brasil'', 3 de novembro de|1997|p=4}} At the time of the destruction, the rocket was going 700 km/h.{{sfn|Palmerio|2017|p=138}}{{efn|The accident sequence is technically described in {{harvnb|Palmerio|2017|pp=136-139}}}}
-===2nd attempt===
-On November 2, during the countdown the timer had to be paused for about 15 minutes due to a plane crossing the restricted airspace.{{sfn|''Folha de São Paulo'', 3 de novembro de|1997}}{{sfn|''Jornal do Brasil'', 3 de novembro de|1997|p=4}}
-At 12h25m a.m. (UTC) the rocket was launched{{efn|"Jornal do Brasil" said that the rocket would be ignited by President [[Fernando Henrique Cardoso]] from the [[Planalto Palace]] through a satellite transmission system.{{sfn|''Jornal do Brasil'', 22 de outubro de|1997|p=6}}}} with a mass of 50 tons at the time of launch. Within about a minute the technicians noticed a problem with [[strap-on booster]] D, which caused the rocket to climb at an incline. Although the vehicle corrected the inclination, about seven tons of dead weight unbalanced the ascent, which led, 65 seconds after launch, to the remote destruction of a satellite worth $5&nbsp;million and a $6.5&nbsp;million rocket.{{sfn|''Folha de São Paulo'', 3 de novembro de|1997}}{{sfn|''Jornal do Brasil'', 3 de novembro de|1997|p=4}}{{sfn|Palmerio|2017|p=136}} It was later revealed that of the four boosters, one was not engaged, causing it to go off course.{{sfn|''O Pioneiro'', 6 de novembro de|1997|p=14}} The rocket was destroyed at a height of {{convert|3230|m|ft}}, and its debris fell into the interdicted sea area about {{convert|2|km|mi}} from the launch pad.{{sfn|''Jornal do Brasil'', 3 de novembro de|1997|p=4}} At the time of the destruction, the rocket was going 700 km/h.{{sfn|Palmerio|2017|p=138}}{{efn|The accident sequence is technically described in {{harvnb|Palmerio|2017|pp=136-139}}}}
 A 15-minute pause was taken in the picture chain operated by [[Radiobrás]] and broadcast to auditoriums with guests in [[Brasilia]], [[São Luís, Maranhão|São Luís]] and [[São José dos Campos]]. On the return of the broadcast, Colonel Thiago da Silva announced the failure.{{sfn|''Folha de São Paulo'', 3 de novembro de|1997}}{{sfn|''Jornal do Commercio'', 17 de outubro de|1997|p=10}}
 ==Aftermath==
-Luiz Gylvan Meira Filho, then president of the [[Brazilian Space Agency]], noted that the fact that the rocket sought to correct its trajectory was an engineering success.{{sfn|''Folha de São Paulo'', 3 de novembro de|1997}} The investigation pointed to a malfunctioning "mechanical safety device", that hindered the transmission of the pyrotechnic order, as responsible for the accident.{{Sfn|Berquó|Coelho|Martinolli|Corrêa|2004|p=12}}{{sfn|Palmerio|2017|p=137}}
+Luiz Gylvan Meira Filho, the then-president of the [[Brazilian Space Agency]], noted that the fact that the rocket sought to correct its trajectory was an engineering success.{{sfn|''Folha de São Paulo'', 3 de novembro de|1997}} The investigation pointed to a malfunctioning "mechanical safety device", that hindered the transmission of the pyrotechnic order, as responsible for the accident.{{Sfn|Berquó|Coelho|Martinolli|Corrêa|2004|p=12}}{{sfn|Palmerio|2017|p=137}} Fabio Wagner Costa, from the University Center of Brasilia, reports that the test was considered positive because it allowed "the validation of important components, including the control system".{{sfn|Costa|2004|p=11}}
 A professor at the [[Instituto Tecnológico de Aeronáutica|Aeronautics Institute of Technology]], speaking anonymously to the media, said that the accident could have been avoided if the entire boosters assembly had been tested in an integrated manner, but the [[Department of Aerospace Science and Technology|CTA]] tests only addressed each [[strap-on booster]] separately. The "integrated test", with all four boosters, only occurred with the launch, contrary to what the ITA had advised.{{sfn|''O Pioneiro'', 6 de novembro de|1997|p=14}} The military was warned about the risk of an accident months before the launch.{{sfn|''Jornal do Commercio'', 10 de novembro de|1997|p=22}} Not all the tests were performed on the safety mechanism responsible for the accident due to the pressure to get the launch done on time.{{sfn|Palmerio|2017|p=137}}
 The next launch occurred in 1999, ending with the remote destruction of the vehicle and the [[SACI-2]] satellite about three minutes after liftoff.{{sfn|''Folha de Londrina'', 12 de dezembro de|1999}}
+==Flight profile==
+{| class="wikitable collapsible"
+|+Mission timeline{{sfn|''Bôas'', IAE|pp=18-22}}
+!Time
+!Event
+!Result
+|-
+|'''00:00'''
+|'''Liftoff'''
+|{{partial success|Booster D does not engage, which affects the orientation of the VLS.}}
+|-
+|00:55
+|2nd stage ignition
+|{{n/a}}
+|-
+|'''00:65'''
+| colspan="2" style="background: #ffbbbb;|{{center|'''Remote destruction of the rocket'''}}
+|-
+|01:09
+|3rd stage ignition
+|{{n/a}}
+|-
+|02:11
+|Payload fairing separation
+|{{n/a}}
+|-
+|03:00
+|3rd stage shutdown
+|{{n/a}}
+|-
+|03:08
+|3rd stage separation
+|{{n/a}}
+|-
+|~07:00
+|4rd stage ignition
+|{{n/a}}
+|-
+|09:00
+|Satellite orbit injection
+|{{n/a}}
+|}
 ==See also==
@@ Line 71: / Line 112: @@
 *{{Cite news|url=http://memoria.bn.br/DocReader/DocReader.aspx?bib=644781&pesq=%22Ve%C3%ADculo%20Lan%C3%A7ador%20de%20Sat%C3%A9lites%22&pasta=ano%20199&hf=memoria.bn.br&pagfis=54546|title=Brasil constrói seu primeiro satélite genuíno|page=5|date=1990-05-27|journal=Diário do Pará|issue=2478|volume=7|ref={{harvid|''Diário do Pará'', 27 de maio de|1990}}|lang=pt-br}}
 *{{Cite news|url=http://memoria.bn.br/DocReader/DocReader.aspx?bib=100439_13&pesq=%22Ve%C3%ADculo%20Lan%C3%A7ador%20de%20Sat%C3%A9lites%22&pasta=ano%20199&hf=memoria.bn.br&pagfis=30025|title=Inpe deverá ter reforço orçamentário|page=7|journal=O Fluminense|date=1993-06-16|issue=33669|volume=116|language=pt-br|ref={{harvid|''O Fluminense'', 16 de junho de|1993}}}}
+*{{Cite news|url=https://www1.folha.uol.com.br/fsp/ciencia/fe210201.htm|title=Teste aprova foguete e satélite brasileiros|date=1997-02-21|newspaper=Folha de S. Paulo|first=Ricardo|last=Bonalume Neto|ref={{harvid|''Folha de S. Paulo'', 21 de fevereiro de|1997}}|lang=pt-BR}}
 *{{Cite news|url=http://memoria.bn.br/DocReader/DocReader.aspx?bib=364568_18&pesq=%22Ve%C3%ADculo%20Lan%C3%A7ador%20de%20Sat%C3%A9lites%22&pasta=ano%20199&hf=memoria.bn.br&pagfis=88013|title=Equipamentos para a base de Alcântara|page=10|date=1997-07-02|journal=Jornal do Commercio|issue=221|volume=170|ref={{harvid|''Jornal do Commercio'', 2 de julho de|1997}}|lang=pt-br}}
 *{{Cite magazine|url=http://memoria.bn.br/DocReader/DocReader.aspx?bib=004120&pesq=%22Ve%C3%ADculo%20Lan%C3%A7ador%20de%20Sat%C3%A9lites%22&pasta=ano%20199&hf=memoria.bn.br&pagfis=299721|title=O Brasil entre as Potências|first=Beatriz|last=Cardoso|date=1997-08-16|magazine=Manchete|pages=49–50|issue=2367|ref={{harvid|''Manchete'', 16 de agosto de|1997}}|lang=pt-br}}
@@ Line 78: / Line 120: @@
 *{{Cite news|url=http://memoria.bn.br/DocReader/DocReader.aspx?bib=153931_04&Pesq=%22Ve%c3%adculo%20Lan%c3%a7ador%20de%20Sat%c3%a9lites%22&pagfis=172162|title=VLS deixa Brasil entre os 8 mais em conquistas espaciais|page=4|date=1997-10-22|journal=A Tribuna|volume=104|issue=211|ref={{harvid|''A Tribuna'', 22 de outubro de|1997}}|lang=pt-br}}
 *{{Cite news|url=http://memoria.bn.br/DocReader/DocReader.aspx?bib=364568_18&pesq=%22Ve%C3%ADculo%20Lan%C3%A7ador%20de%20Sat%C3%A9lites%22&pasta=ano%20199&hf=memoria.bn.br&pagfis=92837|title=Foguete brasileiro já está na base|date=1997-10-22|journal=Jornal do Commercio|page=12|volume=171|ref={{harvid|''Jornal do Commercio'', 22 de outubro de|1997}}|lang=pt-br}}
-*{{Cite news|url=http://memoria.bn.br/DocReader/DocReader.aspx?bib=153931_04&Pesq=%22Ve%c3%adculo%20Lan%c3%a7ador%20de%20Sat%c3%a9lites%22&pagfis=172517|title=Lançamento do foguete VLS é suspenso|date=1997-10-27|journal=A Tribuna|page=10|volume=104|issue=216|ref={{harvid|''A Tribuna'', 27 de outubro de|1997}}|lang=pt-br}}
+*{{Cite news|url=https://memoria.bn.br/DocReader/docreader.aspx?bib=153931_06&pasta=ano%20199&pesq=%22Lan%C3%A7amento%20do%20foguete%20VLS%20%C3%A9%20suspenso%22&pagfis=172517|title=Lançamento do foguete VLS é suspenso|date=1997-10-27|journal=A Tribuna|page=10|volume=104|issue=216|ref={{harvid|''A Tribuna'', 27 de outubro de|1997}}|lang=pt-br}}
 *{{Cite news|url=https://www1.folha.uol.com.br/fsp/ciencia/fe031101.htm|title=Foguete brasileiro fracassa, é destruído e cai no mar |journal=Folha de São Paulo|first=Ricardo Bolanume|last=Neto|date=1997-11-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040130080718/https://www1.folha.uol.com.br/fsp/ciencia/fe031101.htm|archive-date=2004-01-30|url-status=live|ref={{harvid|''Folha de São Paulo'', 3 de novembro de|1997}}|lang=pt-br}}
 *{{Cite news|url=http://memoria.bn.br/DocReader/DocReader.aspx?bib=030015_11&pesq=%22Ve%C3%ADculo%20Lan%C3%A7ador%20de%20Sat%C3%A9lites%22&pasta=ano%20199&hf=memoria.bn.br&pagfis=221695|title=Lançamento de foguete acaba em explosão|date=1997-11-03|page=4|journal=Jornal do Brasil|issue=209|volume=107|ref={{harvid|''Jornal do Brasil'', 3 de novembro de|1997}}|lang=pt-br}}
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 *{{Cite news|url=https://www.folhadelondrina.com.br/geral/inpe-cancela-programa-de-microssatelites-apos-fracasso-com-saci-2-235533.html|title=Inpe cancela programa de microssatélites, após fracasso com Saci-2|journal=Folha de Londrina|date=1999-12-12|last=Ottoboni|first=Júlio|ref={{harvid|''Folha de Londrina'', 12 de dezembro de|1999}}|lang=pt-br}}
 *{{Cite book|url=http://www.aereo.jor.br/downloads/VLS-1_V03_Relatorio_Final.pdf|title=Relatório da Investigação do Acidente ocorrido com o VLS-1 VO3, em 22 de agosto de 2003, em Alcântara, Maranhão|place=São José dos Campos|date=February 2004|last=Berquó|first=Jolan Eduardo|last2=Coelho|first2=Elizabeth Cabral|last3=Martinolli|first3=João Bosco|last4=Corrêa|first4=Cleber Souza|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131108044303/http://www.aereo.jor.br/downloads/VLS-1_V03_Relatorio_Final.pdf|archive-date=2013-11-08|url-status=live|pages=118}}
+*{{Cite thesis|url=https://repositorio.uniceub.br/jspui/bitstream/235/9401/1/20025148.pdf|title=O Programa Espacial Brasileiro|type=Monograph|last=Costa|first=Fabio Wagner|place=Centro Universitário de Brasília|degree=Graduation|year=2004|pages=60|lang=pt-br}}
+*{{cite thesis |url=https://educacaoespacial.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/ijespacial_06_veiculo_lancador_de_satelites.pdf |title=O Veículo Lançador de Satélites - VLS-1 |place=IAE |last=Bôas |first=Danton José Fortes Villas |pages=24|ref={{harvid|''Bôas'', IAE}}|lang=pt-BR}}
 *{{Cite book|url=https://site-sindct.storage.googleapis.com/uploads/2022/06/13092930/TECNOLOGIA_DE_FOGUETES.pdf|title=Introdução à Tecnologia de Foguetes|first=Ariovaldo Feliz|last=Palmerio|edition=2|year=2017|place=[[São José dos Campos]]|publisher=SindCT|pages=304|isbn=978-85-62042-05-8|lang=pt-br}}
 {{refend}}