
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
It Looks Like a Tiny, Fluffy Dragon, But It's Really a Bird. Meet the Great Eared Nightjar - 2
Russian billionaire says 12-hour days and 6-day workweeks could help save the economy - 3
Cameroon says Russia has confirmed 16 Cameroonian soldiers died in Ukraine - 4
Why the UAE has incurred the wrath of Somalia - 5
Astronauts welcome arrival of new crewmates | On the International Space Station this week Nov. 24-28, 2025
From Amateur to Master: My Involvement in Photography
Tracking down the Right Equilibrium: Charges versus Personal Costs in Senior Protection.
Manual for Famous people Known for Their Altruistic Endeavors
Higher cost, worse coverage: Affordable Care Act enrollees say expiring subsidies will hit them hard
A Russian fighting for Ukraine conned the Kremlin out of $500,000 by faking his own death
Scientists sent a menstrual cup to space. This is how it went
Aid sent by ambulance to Ukraine front line
As infant botulism cases climb to 31, recalled ByHeart baby formula is still on some store shelves
Step by step instructions to Recognize the Distinction Between Lab Jewels and Precious stone Simulants













