Innospace Hanbit-Nano "Spaceward" Fails at Alcântara — First Korean Private Orbital Attempt
78 FOMOSouth Korean startup Innospace launched its Hanbit-Nano rocket from Brazil's Alcântara Space Center on December 22, 2025 — the first-ever commercial orbital launch attempt by a South Korean private company, and the first commercial launch from Alcântara. The 17.3-metre, hybrid-propulsion rocket lifted off normally at 8:13 p.m. EST carrying eight payloads (five satellites, three hosted experiments) from customers in Brazil, India, and South Korea. Approximately 30 seconds into flight an anomaly occurred and the vehicle fell within the pre-designated safety zone with no injuries or ground damage. CEO Kim Soo-jong wrote to shareholders that critical flight data was gathered and that the company plans a second attempt in H1 2026. Innospace shares dropped 29% on December 23.
Why it matters
Losing a debut orbital flight is painful but common — no one expects a new rocket to succeed on the first try. The Alcântara milestone still stands: Brazil's equatorial spaceport is now operational for commercial launches. The Korea–Brazil space corridor is one to watch.
Details
Mission
- Vehicle
- Hanbit-Nano
- Launch site
- Alcântara Space Center, Maranhão, Brazil
Coverage
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spacenews.com ·
Innospace Plans Second Launch in 2026 After Hanbit-Nano FailureInnospace Hanbit-Nano failed ~30 seconds after liftoff from Alcântara on December 22. Eight payloads lost. CEO Kim Soo-jong confirmed second attempt in H1 2026 and noted critical flight data was gathered from the short flight.
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reuters.com ·
South Korea's Innospace Fails on Its First Orbital Launch Attempt in BrazilReuters reported the Hanbit-Nano failure, noting it marks the first commercial launch from Alcântara and the first private Korean orbital attempt. Innospace shares dropped 29% after the crash. No injuries, no ground damage.
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South Korean startup Innospace launched its Hanbit-Nano rocket from Brazil's Alcântara Space Center