
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
At UN climate conference, some activists and scientists want more talk on reforming agriculture - 2
New Year's Eve Live: Nashville's Big Bash: How to watch the star-studded country music special live - 3
Kissing is an ‘evolutionary conundrum.’ Scientists just mapped its unexpected origins - 4
The Job of a Migration Legal advisor: How They Can Help You - 5
I binged all 24 Hallmark Christmas movies in less than 30 days. I emerged a changed man.
'Outrageous and illegal' : UNRWA slams Israel for cutting off its water, comms and electric in Gaza
Discovering a sense of harmony: Individual Accounts of Reflection and Care
New heart disease calculator predicts 30-year risk for young adults
Vote in favor of your Favored Travel Movement
High-Suggested Broilers For Your Homes
Kiefer Sutherland arrested after allegedly assaulting a ride-share driver in L.A.
Vote In favor of Your Number one Game Control center
Inconceivable Spots To Stargaze All over The Planet
Select Your Definitive Pizza Decision













