TIM FURNISS / LONDON
Discussions could lead to eastward launches from South America and an increase in booster's payload capability
Israel's Shavit small satellite booster may fly from Brazil's Alcantara launch base as a result of a co-operative agreement being discussed between the two countries.
Launching eastward from Alcantara would increase the Shavit's payload capability, as launches from its home base at Palmachin air base on Israel's Mediterranean coast have to be westward, against the Earth's orbit. Flying eastward over the Atlantic Ocean from Brazil, in the direction of the Earth's rotation, would make better use of propellant and enable the rocket to carry a larger payload.
Currently the Shavit can carry 156kg (345lb) into a 248 x 1,170km (154 x 725 miles) low-Earth orbit from Israel. An Alcantara launch would also reach equatorial orbits, compared with the 142.9¡-inclined orbit accessible from Palmachin, south of Tel Aviv. Alcantara was the launch site for Brazil's indigenously developed VLS small satellite launcher, but two test flights in 1997 and 1999 ended in failure.
Source: Flight International
