
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
Why the UAE has incurred the wrath of Somalia - 2
Council removes proposal to rename park named after former president of Israel - 3
Step by step instructions to Keep up with Great Hand Cleanliness Before Handshakes - 4
Exploring the Gig Economy: Illustrations from Consultants - 5
Tasting America: An Excursion Through Darling Cheap Food Brands
Israel, Gulf states report fresh missile and drone attacks
Ads promising cosmetic surgery patients a ‘dream body’ with minimal risk get little scrutiny
Peruvian ex-President Martin Vizcarra sentenced to 14 years in prison
Flourishing in a Cutthroat Work Market: Vocation Methodologies
5 Bike Brands for Ordinary Use
RFK Jr.'s diet guidelines emphasize red meat, full-fat dairy. How healthy are they?
Investigating Remarkable Espresso Flavors: Upgrade Your Day to day Blend
Getting ready for a Mechanized World: 10 Positions That computer based intelligence Could Dominate
Under pressure at home, Belgium's leader treads a tight rope with EU partners over funds for Ukraine













