Brazil: The rocket lifted off from the Alcântara Space Center, according to Yonhap News Agency, citing South Korean space startup Innospace.
The two-stage launch vehicle is carrying multiple payloads, including five satellites, which are set to be deployed into low Earth orbit at an altitude of approximately 300 kilometres. If the mission is completed as planned, Innospace will become the first private South Korean company to successfully place a customer’s satellite into orbit.
The Hanbit-Nano rocket features a 25-ton hybrid engine powering its first stage, while the second stage is driven by an engine using liquid methane and liquid oxygen, fuels increasingly favoured for their efficiency and lower environmental impact.
The launch follows a series of delays, having been postponed three times since its original scheduled date of November 22. Despite the setbacks, the mission is being viewed as a breakthrough moment for South Korea’s growing private aerospace sector and a key step toward commercialising satellite launch services.
Innospace, a South Korean startup, launched the Hanbit-Nano rocket from Brazil, aiming to deploy five satellites into orbit. This marks South Korea's entry into the private space race, showcasing advanced hybrid and methane engines. Despite previous delays, the mission is a pivotal moment for the nation's commercial satellite launch ambitions.