
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
FBI arrests Brian Cole Jr. in Jan. 6 pipe bomb investigation, ending 5-year hunt - 2
How HIV/AIDS got its name − the words Americans used for the crisis were steeped in science, stigma and religious language - 3
Figure out How to Involve a Brain science Certification in Showcasing - 4
Voting begins in Uganda’s presidential election during internet shutdown and polling station delays - 5
Old video misrepresented as senior Sri Lankan ruling party member criticising president over fuel shortage
Former 'Bachelorette' welcomes 1st baby via emergency c-section
5 Different ways Macintosh is Prepared to Overwhelm Gaming, Even Against Windows
Sean 'Diddy' Combs faces new sexual assault allegations, currently under investigation by Los Angeles Sheriff's Department
South Carolina measles outbreak grows by nearly 100, spreads to North Carolina and Ohio
How to watch 'A Charlie Brown Christmas' for less with this Apple TV Black Friday deal
EU top diplomat Kallas arrives in Kiev to commemorate Bucha massacre
German men need approval for stays abroad under military service law
Step by step instructions to Explore the Close to home Consequence of Cellular breakdown in the lungs
The moon and sun figure big in the new year's lineup of cosmic wonders











