 Wreck of the structure of the VLS launch pad | |
| Date | 22 August 2003 |
|---|---|
| Time | 13:26:06 BRT (UTC-3) |
| Duration | 0:08:45[1] |
| Location | Alcântara Launch Center, Maranhão, Brazil |
| Outcome | Setback to the Brazilian space program with the death of 21 technicians and destruction of launch vehicle and structure (launch pad and launch tower) |
| Deaths | 21 |
The 2003 Alcântara VLS accident was an accident during the Brazilian Space Agency's third attempt to launch the VLS-1 rocket, which was intended to launch two satellites into orbit. The rocket ignited on its launch pad at the Alcântara Launch Center, killing 21 people. It is the fourth deadliest space exploration related disaster in history.
- ^ Berquó et al. 2004, p. 32.