
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
Working out at the airport? Some fliers can already smell the sweat. - 2
The Response to Self-improvement: Embracing a Development Outlook - 3
‘Ukrainian housewives’ and Skyranger delays – German defense poster child Rheinmetall is in hot water - 4
Posts falsely claim Malaysian minister to relocate public hospital for temple - 5
Study reveals how fast weight returns after ending GLP-1 drugs
Coca-Cola Co. and bottlers to invest in South Africa operations
Here's what can happen if you drive under the influence of pot
Blake Lively's sexual harassment claims against Justin Baldoni dismissed. Where the case stands now.
Supreme Court case about ‘crisis pregnancy centers’ highlights debate over truthful advertising standards
35 million tons of food go to waste yearly in the US. Experts share tips to help stop it
Explora Journeys becomes latest cruise line to be impacted by Middle East war
The Way to Monetary Health: Individual budget Change
Recent studies prove the ancient practice of nasal irrigation is effective at fighting the common cold
Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS' journey through our solar system, in photos













