Cyclone-4 Development Not Affected by Ukraine Turmoil

Cyclone-4 first and second stages. (Credit: Alcantara Cyclone Space)

Cyclone-4 Project Status Update
Via Alcantara Cyclone Space

The current events in Ukraine have not impacted the Cyclone-4 Project development. Currently, the Launch Vehicle development is progressing as scheduled, and it will be ready for delivery to Alcantara in the second half of 2015.

Cyclone-4 payload fairing separation test. (Credit: Alcantara Cyclone Space)

A significant portion of the Launch Site civil construction activities has been completed as well. Most of Ground Support Equipment has been contracted, and some has already been received in Alcantara.

Cyclone-4 launch pad under construction. (Credit:Alcantara Cyclone Space)

Azovmash, one of ACS’s main contractors responsible for development, manufacturing and delivery of many key systems required for the Cyclone-4 Launch Site operation, has published a press release on their website informing about the current status of their activities under the Cyclone-4 Project.

Cyclone-4 second stage main engines undergoing electropneumatic testing. (Credit: Alcantara Cyclone Space)

According to the press release, the major part of the Cyclone-4 systems under Azovmash’s responsibility has already been manufactured, and the other part is at the final stage of fabrication. All activities are on schedule.

Cyclone-4 upper stage main engine structural test. (Credit: Alcantara Cyclone Space)

Alcantara Cyclone Space (ACS) is a binational Ukraine-Brazil company created for development and operation of the Launch Complex and launching the Ukrainian Cyclone-4 Launch Vehicle from the Alcantara Launch Center in Brazil to provide space launch services for the Governments of Brazil and Ukraine, as well as for commercial customers.

Cyclone_4 processing complex under construction at the Alcantara Launch Center in Brazil. (Credit: Alcantara Cyclone Space)

Yuzhnoye  of Ukraine is responsible for designing the Cyclone-4 Launch Vehicle and its ground support equipment and integration of spacecraft with launch vehicles. Yuzhmash of Ukraine is responsible for preparation of the industrial base and manufacturing of the Cyclone-4 launch vehicle and ground support equipment elements.

The State Space Agency of Ukraine (SSAU) is responsible for implementation of the long-term cooperation on utilization of the Cyclone-4 Launch Vehicle at the Alcantara Launch Center.

The Brazilian Space Agency (AEB) is responsible for implementation of the long-term cooperation on utilization of the Cyclone-4 Launch Vehicle at the Alcantara Launch Center, and is also responsible for development of the General Infrastructure for the Cyclone-4 launches.