Innospace cleared for first HANBIT-Nano commercial launch
Innospace, based in Sejong, South Korea, has become the first private company to obtain a commercial launch authorisation from the Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA). With this certification, Innospace has completed all approval procedures for the maiden launch of its HANBIT-Nano, which features additively manufactured rocket engine components.
The news follows the completion of HANBIT-Nano’s first-stage qualification in late September and the establishment of its in-house Additive Manufacturing facility to support its scaling rocket production in August this year.
Innospace has finalised the launch window for its SPACEWARD mission between October 28 and November 28, with the exact date and time to be confirmed in coordination with the Brazilian Air Force. The launch will take place at Brazil’s Alcântara Space Centre (CEA) from Innospace’s proprietary launch platform.
The HANBIT-Nano SPACEWARD mission marks the company’s first commercial launch and will carry customer satellites and payloads into low-Earth orbit (LEO) at an altitude of 300 km. Under contracts signed with five customers from Brazil, India, and South Korea, Innospace will deliver eight registered payloads, including small satellites, non-separating experimental payloads and one symbolic branding item as a non-registered payload.
“This authorisation demonstrates that HANBIT-Nano has met all requirements for safety, mission capability, environmental and security standards, officially recognising its technical and legal reliability as the first commercial launch vehicle approved for launch by a South Korean private company,” stated Soojong Kim, founder and CEO of Innospace. “As the SPACEWARD mission is not merely a flight test but a historic milestone announcing our entry into the commercial space transportation market, our entire team is committed to ensuring a stable and successful launch.”
“From the development of our first commercial launch vehicle, HANBIT-Nano, to obtaining this launch authorisation, these achievements have only been possible through the active cooperation and support of key institutions such as the Korea Aerospace Administration (KASA), Goheung County, local fire and police authorities, and all relevant organisations. Innospace will continue to work closely with our partners to ensure rigorous safety management and responsible operations throughout the development, preparation, and launch phases of future missions as we advance toward becoming a trusted provider of launch services,” Kim added.
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