Innospace Hanbit-Nano Rocket Explodes During Orbital Launch Attempt
South Korean startup Innospace conducted its fourth attempt to reach orbit with the Hanbit-Nano small launch vehicle from Brazil’s Alcântara Space Center. The rocket lifted off successfully but experienced an unexpected anomaly approximately one minute into flight. Live broadcast footage showed flames erupting near the vehicle before the stream terminated abruptly. Company officials confirmed the launch abort due to the detected issue, marking another setback for the program.
Hanbit-Nano utilizes a single-stage liquid oxygen and kerosene propulsion system designed for suborbital and eventual orbital payloads up to 50 kilograms. Previous attempts encountered ground system problems, including cooling abnormalities in the oxidizer supply and valve issues in the methane tank for upper stages in prior configurations. This flight aimed to deploy a small demonstration satellite but failed to achieve stable ascent.
Innospace developed the rocket through private funding with support from South Korean government research initiatives. The company positions Hanbit-Nano as a low-cost option for microsatellite deployments, competing with vehicles from Rocket Lab and other small launch providers. Alcântara’s equatorial location offers efficiency advantages for geostationary transfers.
Launch preparations involved international coordination between Brazilian range authorities and South Korean engineers. Safety protocols triggered the automatic termination to prevent risks to populated areas. Post-flight analysis will examine telemetry data to identify the root cause of the explosion-like event.
This incident highlights persistent challenges in maturing new liquid-fueled rocket technologies. Innospace previously achieved suborbital flights, validating basic systems. Orbital qualification remains critical for securing commercial contracts in the growing smallsat market.
Industry observers note increasing attempts by Asian startups to enter the global launch services sector. South Korea’s broader space ambitions include the ongoing development of the KSLV-II medium-lift rocket by state agencies. Private ventures like Innospace complement national efforts through rapid iteration.
Recovery operations at the launch site focus on debris assessment and range cleanup. Innospace has not announced a timeline for the next attempt but emphasized commitment to resolving technical issues. Successful orbital access would position the company among a select group of operational small launch providers worldwide.
The event underscores the high-risk nature of orbital rocketry development. Telemetry from the brief flight provides valuable data for engine performance and structural integrity evaluations. Future iterations may incorporate design modifications based on these findings.
