
Dec 23 (Reuters) - South Korean satellite launch company Innospace on Monday launched the first commercial rocket from Brazil's Alcantara Space Center, a milestone for the firm and Brazilian aerospace ambitions that ended with a crash.
The HANBIT-Nano vehicle lifted off at 10:13 p.m. Brazil time (0113 GMT), five days later than originally scheduled.
Just two minutes after the launch, a live feed within the official livestream showed a message noting an "anomaly" was experienced during the flight. The livestream ended immediately afterward.
According to Brazil's air force, the rocket began its vertical trajectory as planned, but an issue prompted a crash into the ground. Officials and firefighters were sent to analyse the wreckage and the collision area, the air force added in a statement.
Innospace has not provided further information about the launch and did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The firm's South Korea-listed shares fell about 24% in midday trading after the crash, the biggest intraday decline since August.
The launch was delayed from Wednesday after an anomaly in a cooling unit component of the first-stage oxidizer feed system during final inspections, and again on Friday for a few hours due to unfavourable weather conditions.
In a previous statement, Innospace said it replaced the component on the launch pad, allowing the Spaceward mission to proceed within its December 16-22 launch window. It was launching eight registered cargoes, including five small satellites, for undisclosed customers.
The Brazilian air force and space agency offered operational support for the launch in coordination with key agencies.
In March 2023, Innospace had launched its test vehicle HANBIT-TLV from the same facility in northeast Brazil to verify the performance of its 150 kN hybrid rocket engine.
(Reporting by Fernando Cardoso; Editing by Jamie Freed)
latest_posts
- 1
Dave Coulier reveals he has tongue cancer, his 2nd diagnosis in a year, after beating non-Hodgkin lymphoma - 2
Divorce filings, feuds and legal trouble: The 'Mormon Wives' drama keeps piling up - 3
4 well known subjects in school - 4
IDF says up to 90% of Iran’s weapons industry could be hit within days - 5
Setbacks in Texas and elsewhere put Republicans' redistricting hopes in doubt as key deadlines loom
Manhunt for Brown University shooter continues: FBI releases photos of suspect, announces $50K reward
This Canadian crater looks like marbled meat | Space photo of the day for Jan. 6, 2026
Iranian president warns of retaliation against Gulf states
Step by step instructions to Utilize Open Record Rewards for Your Potential benefit
From Modesty to Administration: Self-improvement in Interactive abilities
A company is trying to unlock a key to aging, in a long-overlooked body part
Inside Kathy Hilton’s Christmas pajama party: caviar bumps, champagne vending machines and a mansion full of Housewives
Indoor Drinking Fountains: Famous Home Advancements during the Pandemic
Instructions to Upgrade the Proficiency of Your Sunlight powered chargers











