
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
China’s new condom tax will prove no effective barrier to country’s declining fertility rate - 2
The most effective method to Pick the Right Material Organization: Fundamental Tips - 3
'Euphoria' Season 3 trailer includes Eric Dane's final appearance, Jacob Elordi and Sydney Sweeney at the altar and Zendaya's 'Breaking Bad' era - 4
Vote In favor of Your Number one Savvy Beds - 5
Instructions to Boost Your True capacity with a Brain research Degree
Israeli military says it hit dozens of military facilities in Tehran
Hamas delegation meets Egypt’s spy chief amid mutual ceasefire violation claims
4 Energy-Proficient Clothes washers to Consider in 2024
Meet the Stars of the Feline World: Well known Pet Feline Varieties
Bruno Mars tour 2026: How to get tickets for 'The Romantic Tour,' presale times, prices and more
Climate leaders are talking about 'overshoot' into warming danger zone. Here's what it means
Lift Your Style: Famous Hairdos for Ladies
CDC vaccine panel delays vote to stop recommending hepatitis B shot at birth
'The best gift ever': Baby is born after the rarest of pregnancies, defying all odds













