INNOSPACE announced today that it will retry the launch of its first commercial launch vehicle, HANBIT-Nano, under the SPACEWARD mission, at 3:45 p.m. on December 22 (Brazil Time) from the Alcântara Space Center in Brazil.

INNOSPACE had previously halted a launch attempt scheduled for 9:30 p.m. BRT on December 19 after identifying intermittent abnormal operation of a vent valve installed on the second-stage liquid methane tank during the propellant loading process. The valve is a critical component responsible for maintaining proper pressure control in the upper section of the launch vehicle. If the valve fails to operate normally while in a closed position, internal tank pressure may continue to rise, potentially leading to structural failure.

Based on a preventive safety assessment, INNOSPACE decided to suspend the launch attempt. The decision was made in accordance with the company’s commitment to prioritizing safety and launch reliability.

Following the suspension, INNOSPACE safely drained all propellants and placed the launch vehicle in a horizontal configuration on the launch mount, conducting a comprehensive inspection of overall system functions and components. No additional anomalies were identified beyond the vent valve. A replacement spare valve is available, and the company plans to complete final functional verification following the replacement, based on the results of its root-cause analysis.

The new launch date was finalized following a coordination meeting with the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) on the morning of December 20 (BRT), during which technical readiness and launch feasibility within the designated launch window were comprehensively reviewed. Considering the results of the Launch Conjunction Assessment (LCA), which evaluates potential collision risks with space objects, the launch was approved for 3:45 p.m. BRT on December 22, the final day of the launch window. The launch time may be adjusted depending on weather conditions, as rainfall is forecast for the day. Any changes will be announced in advance.

“As we prepare for our first commercial launch, we sincerely regret the concern caused by the recent schedule adjustments,” said Soojong Kim, Founder and CEO of INNOSPACE. “Launch vehicle development and operations involve highly complex technologies with many variables working simultaneously. During the remaining preparation period, we will conduct thorough inspections and do our utmost to ensure a safe and successful launch.”

Under the SPACEWARD mission, HANBIT-Nano is scheduled to deploy five customer satellites into low Earth orbit (LEO) at an altitude of 300 km with an inclination of 40 degrees, while simultaneously conducting customer missions for three non-separable experimental payloads. The launch window runs from December 16 to December 22 (BRT).

▲ Overview of INNOSPACE’s HANBIT-Nano launch vehicle at the Alcântara Space Center, Brazil (December 19)