
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
Netanyahu leads meeting on West Bank riots, Katz defends axing administrative detention for Jews - 2
NASA, in a rare move, cuts space station mission short after an astronaut's medical issue - 3
Former Israeli judge does not expect Netanyahu to be pardoned - 4
'Heated Rivalry' is just the tip of the iceberg. How hockey became the sexiest sport - 5
Vote in favor of your #1 Kind of Cap
Poll: Most are satisfied with their health insurance, but a quarter report denials or delays
Lily Allen 2026 'West End Girl' arena tour: How to get tickets, prices and more
10 Demonstrated Tips to Boost Your New Android Cell phone: A Thorough Aide
4 well known subjects in school
Blake Lively's sexual harassment claims against Justin Baldoni dismissed. Where the case stands now.
The Most Well known Online Entertainment Forces to be reckoned with of 2023
Merz: 80% of Syrians in Germany expected to return within three years
Holden Commodore Turbo BT1 Police Interceptor Offered for Sale in Australia
What is the 'Survivor 50' Challenge? Hidden immunity idols will be up for grabs in every U.S. state.












