Sensors and airborne amplifiers help launch the VLS-1 rocket

Brüel & Kjær worked closely with the Institute of Aeronautics and Space (Instituto de Aeronaútica e Espaço, IAE) –  a division of Brazil’s Department of Aerospace Science and Technology (DCTA) – to deliver a range of sensors and airborne amplifiers to provide critical flight data for their on-board telemetry system for the VLS-1 satellite launch vehicle programme. The VLS-1 rocket is designed to launch small satellites with payloads ranging from 100 – 380 kg for equatorial circular orbits and 75 –275 kg for polar circular orbits.

Challenge

On-board measurements on a launcher are complex. DCTA needed state-of-the-art noise and vibration sensors and amplifiers to provide critical flight data of the launcher to its on-board telemetry system OMC (On-board Measurement Complex).

Solution

We have provided a wide range of acoustic and vibration sensors for installation in the rocket. These will help measure structural vibration, static vibration, and shock. Moreover, we are providing several high-frequency microphones to measure lift-off noise both outside and within the launcher – a particularly critical element as launch is a one-time opportunity to gather data.

Results

DCTA is now able to gather data on structural vibration, static vibration, shock, and lift-off noise, to improve their telemetry data. The first electrical tests with a mock-up rocket in 2012 were a complete success. Actual launch of a two-stage rocket will take place in 2016 and the first satellite launch is scheduled for 2018.