Innospace, a South Korean space startup, unveiled the country's first commercial orbital rocket this week after three delays. The Hanbit-Nano rocket was expected to lift off from the Alcantara Space Center in Brazil at 3:45 p.m. local time on Monday, or 3:45 a.m. Tuesday in Korea.
The rocket will carry eight payloads, including five satellites, and place them into a 300-kilometer low orbit. If the launch is successful, Innospace will be the first private South Korean company to send a customer satellite into orbit.
The rocket uses a hybrid engine for the first stage and a liquid methane and oxygen engine for the second stage. The launch has already been delayed three times, first due to a problem with the avionics electronics and later because of an issue with the fuel tank. The launch could be delayed again if weather conditions worsen, as rain is expected.
Earlier, Innospace signed a USD 5.8 million contract with Media Broadcasting Satellite (MBS), a German company, to provide launch services for MBS satellites between 2026 and 2029. Under this deal, MBS will be the exclusive launch agent in Germany, helping Innospace expand in the European space market.
Executive Statement
According to a company official, the exact launch time is expected to change depending on weather conditions. The launch will take place when there is no rain.