A South Korean startup, Innospace, has identified a hardware failure as the cause of its first orbital launch attempt’s destruction in December. The Hanbit-Nano rocket exploded less than a minute after liftoff from Brazil’s Alcantara Space Center, marking a setback for the company’s ambitions in the competitive small satellite launch market.
What Went Wrong: A Gas Leak in the Engine
Innospace’s investigation, conducted with Brazilian authorities, revealed that a gas leak within the forward section of the rocket’s first-stage hybrid engine was the primary culprit. The leak stemmed from improperly sealed components, specifically those affected by plastic deformation during post-repair reassembly. This suggests a flaw in the manufacturing or quality control process, rather than a fundamental design issue.
The Hanbit-Nano rocket uses a combination of liquid oxygen (LOX) and paraffin as fuel, and is designed to deliver up to 90 kilograms to a sun-synchronous orbit. The failed launch carried payloads from Brazilian and Indian customers, as well as internal technology demonstrators.
Why This Matters: A Growing Space Race
This incident highlights the challenges facing private space companies, particularly those entering the small satellite launch sector. Reliability is paramount, as even minor hardware flaws can lead to catastrophic failure. The small satellite market demands quick turnaround times and cost-effectiveness, making competition fierce. Innospace’s experience demonstrates that achieving consistent orbital capability requires rigorous testing and quality assurance.
“This process has provided valuable technical assets that will contribute to further advancing our launch vehicle technologies,” said Innospace CEO Soojong Kim.
Future Plans: A Second Attempt in 2026
Innospace is already implementing design improvements and additional verification procedures to prevent similar failures. The company is aiming for a follow-up launch in the third quarter of 2026, pending approval from the Korea Aerospace Administration (KASA), and expects to continue launching from Brazil.
A successful relaunch will be crucial for Innospace to prove its resilience and establish itself as a reliable provider in the rapidly expanding small satellite launch industry. The company’s ability to recover from this setback will determine its long-term viability in a market where trust and consistent performance are key.
