Innospace completes first-stage test for HANBIT-Nano hybrid rocket engine
Innospace, based in Sejong, South Korea, has announced the successful completion of the first stage qualification test for HANBIT-Nano, the company’s first commercial space launch vehicle. The testing, the final milestone in pre-launch ground testing, took place on September 18 at Innospace’s integrated test facility in Goheung.
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Developed from the HANBIT-TLV, a test launch vehicle powered by a 15-ton thrust hybrid rocket engine, HANBIT-Nano is a two-stage space launch vehicle equipped with a 25-ton-thrust hybrid rocket engine in the first stage and a 3-ton-thrust liquid methane rocket engine in the second stage.
Since the successful test launch of the HANBIT-TLV in March 2023, Innospace has established an in-house Additive Manufacturing facility to support its scaling rocket production. The company uses Laser Beam Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-LB) machines from China’s Eplus3D.
The HANBIT-Nano incorporates an integrated dome-type composite combustion chamber that is reported to achieve both weight reduction and high-pressure performance compared to traditional designs, enhancing the reliability and commercial viability of the launch system.
“By applying 3D printing technology, we expect to achieve part lightweighting that reduces rocket mass and increases payload capacity, allowing customers to transport more satellites at a lower cost. This will positively impact future revenue generation,” stated Soojong Kim, founder and CEO of Innospace.
Through the successful test, Innospace was able to complete the final verification of the 25-ton hybrid rocket engine’s performance and reliability, the stability of the oxidiser supply system, the structural integrity of the stage, and the vehicle’s integrated control system. The second stage qualification test, using the liquid methane rocket engine, was successfully completed in July 2025.
“Innospace has completed all technical verifications of its first commercial launch vehicle, HANBIT-Nano, and is now facing the moment of challenge for full-scale market entry,” Kim added. “We will make every effort to ensure that the scheduled launch at the Alcântara Space Center in Brazil is successfully carried out.”
The first commercial launch of HANBIT-Nano is anticipated for the second half of this year. The launch schedule will be announced immediately after the final launch approval by the Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA). The launch authorisation from the Brazilian Space Agency (AEB) has already been obtained.
