The Brazilian Microlauncher (MLBR) schedule is being revised and the first launch should only take place from 2027 onwards. The change was announced by those responsible for the project, who cite the complexity of the technical steps and the need for more tests to ensure safety and reliability.
The MLBR is a small rocket developed by a consortium of Brazilian companies with support from Finep and the Brazilian Space Agency (AEB). It aims to place satellites weighing up to around 40 kg in low orbit from the national territory, marking an important step towards the country’s space autonomy.
Advancement in engines despite postponement
Despite the on-time review, the project recorded significant progress at a critical phase. The teams completed preparations for the first inert loads of the engines that will equip the vehicle, including the formulation of the inert propellant and the finalization of the N-04 and N-09 propellant envelopes, destined for the second and third stages.
The three engines already had qualified structures. The N-90, in the first stage, uses around nine tons of propellant, while the N-09 uses around one ton and the N-04, approximately 400 kilos. The use of inert propellant allows procedures, quality and safety to be validated before phases with active propellant.
“The advancement of preparations reinforces the continuous evolution of MLBR towards the objective of contributing to the expansion of Brazil’s capacity for independent access to space”, stated Ralph Correa, program manager and engineer at Cenic Engenharia.
Successful BIZU Space test
At the end of May, the startup BIZU Space successfully completed the test of the first flight model of the ARION liquid rocket engine, as part of the “Deitado em Berço Esplendido” (DeBE) mission. The test, carried out at bank T8 on the campus of the University of Vale do Paraíba, in São José dos Campos (SP), validated critical technologies such as tanks, valves and propulsive integration.
The ARION engine uses hydrogen peroxide as an oxidizer and aviation kerosene as fuel, developed and manufactured entirely by the company. The campaign was sponsored by Finep, linked to the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, in partnership with AEB. Other companies involved in MLBR include Concert, Etsys, Delsis and Plasmahub.
What MLBR represents for Brazil
The project is part of a larger effort to strengthen the national space industry. At around 12 meters tall, the rocket seeks to meet the growing demand for small satellite launches, reducing dependence on foreign vehicles and launch centers abroad. The inaugural flight is scheduled for the Alcântara Launch Center.
Experts consider the 2027 deadline to be realistic given the challenges of complete systems qualification, something common in launch vehicle programs. MLBR comes at a time when the global small sats market is expanding rapidly, offering an opportunity for Brazil to position itself in the New Space segment.
