The ML-BR project publishes a publication on the flexible hinge used in the vehicleDesigned to launch small satellites into near-Earth orbit, the MLBR launch vehicle is launched from a “ramp” — a rail that can be adjusted horizontally (azimuth) and vertically (elevation angle).The planned trajectory for placing the satellite into a given orbit determines the sequence of events throughout the flight. However, after the rocket is launched, during the operation of the first stage, which takes it to an altitude of about 40 km (four times higher than commercial flights), it is quite normal for interference to occur, especially due to strong winds, which can deflect the rocket from its nominal course.The inertial navigation system (INS) and the onboard computer (OC) identify and process this information, sending correction commands to maintain the programmed trajectory.These corrections begin immediately after leaving the launch pad and continue until the first stage separates. They are carried out by moving the nozzle (gas exhaust), shifting it and thus changing the direction of the so-called “thrust vector.” This movement is carried out by electric drives that continuously correct the direction of the gases.This control is quite delicate, with small angular displacements, but it is critical to the success of the mission. The coordination of the actuators' movements with the nozzle, continuously adjusting its position, is performed by a critical component called a “flexible hinge,” which is an integral part of the engine.The flexible joint developed by MLBR consists of a circular arrangement of rigid and flexible elements that “envelops” the diverging nozzle of the H-90 / 1st stage engine.Complex mathematical modeling was used in its development, which made it possible to perform analytical modeling of operational characteristics for various design options. Currently, after receiving positive conceptual results, qualification models are being manufactured for experimental verification of the expected positive results.
ML-BR testing continues at an accelerated paceThe ML-BR project continues to develop rapidly, even after the withdrawal of one of the participants in the same competition.Throughout July, the inertial navigation system (SNI-GNSS) underwent comprehensive testing on an aircraft to verify its ability to orient itself in space and transmit commands. According to the official project description, the objectives of the tests were:Automatic system startup;Data collection from high-frequency inertial sensors synchronized with the GNSS signal;Verification of subsystem performance in real flight conditions.Everything went well!I had contact with this spacecraft's SNI-GNSS system when I was at the SpaceBR exhibition.The system is being developed by HORUSEYE TECH in partnership with CONCERT SPACE and CRON.
Flight profileThe launch takes place from the Alcântara launch center in Maranhão. The rocket is mounted on an adjustable ramp that can be aimed both azimuthally (horizontally) and elevationally (vertically), ensuring the accuracy of the initial course.1) First stage: The first-stage engine lifts the vehicle to an altitude of about 40 km. At this point, the first stage separates and the second stage ignites. 2) Second stage: The second-stage engine lifts the rocket to an altitude of about 150 km. The fairing is jettisoned shortly before this, as there is virtually no atmosphere at this altitude. 3) Controlled inertial motion. With no engines running, the vehicle (now consisting of the third stage and the satellite) continues to gain altitude by inertia, following a strictly controlled trajectory.4) Orbit insertion. At an altitude of about 450 km above the Atlantic Ocean, the third-stage engine is activated for about 45 seconds — not for further ascent, but to increase the satellite's speed.
In 2023, a project for an ultralight launch vehicle, ML-BR, was launched (Fig. 1). CENIC received a contract worth 192 million Brazilian reais (US$34 million) from the country's innovation agency Finep (Financiadora de Estudos e Projetos) [1]. The planned development period is three years.
First launch in 2023+3 = 2026?
RFB AT SPACEBR SHOW: Interview with a representative of PlasmaHub, a company that is part of the ML-BR rocket groupJune 7, 2025At the SpaceBR Show 2025, we interviewed a sales representative from PlasmaHub, a company that is part of the ML-BR project, which aims to develop launch vehicles using exclusively Brazilian technology. In the interview, he talked about the company's ambitious plans.CARLOS, PlasmaHub sales representative: Hello, […] I am Carlos, sales representative for PlasmaHub. PlasmaHub is a company that is part of a business agreement known as ML-BR, Brazilian Microlauncher, which aims to launch micro- and nanosatellites into low orbit at 450 kilometers through the Alcântara launch center in Maranhão. We are part of this agreement, which won the FINEP economic subsidy competition, and our forecast is that by the end of 2026 we will be able to launch two rockets, aiming for the mission I explained: a 450 km orbit and a minimum payload of 5 kilograms. In fact, we are no longer aiming for this 5 kg payload; we are actually moving towards larger payloads of 35 to 40 kg, which have greater commercial appeal.
