23.12.2025 21:30
South Korea's first commercially developed space rocket, Hanbit-Nano, led by the private sector, failed during its test flight. The rocket, developed by Innospace, lost control approximately 30 seconds after being launched from the Alcântara Space Center in Brazil and exploded. The rocket's descent occurred within a predetermined safety area, and there were no casualties or material damage.
South Korea's goal of opening up to space through the private sector faced failure in its first serious test. The country's first commercial space rocket, Hanbit-Nano, took off from Brazil but caught fire and fell just 30 seconds after launch.
According to information based on company sources, the launch took place at 10:13 local time (04:13 Turkey time). It was reported that the rocket's ascent did not proceed as planned, and a critical failure warning appeared in the control systems.
FELL INTO A SAFE ZONE, NO CASUALTIES
In a statement from Innospace, it was reported that the rocket's fall occurred within a predetermined safety area and that there were no casualties or material damage. The company announced that it has initiated a technical review to determine the cause of the failed launch.
In the live broadcast of the launch moment, flames were seen rising from the rocket shortly after takeoff, after which the broadcast was cut off.
IT WAS A CRITICAL TEST FOR THE PRIVATE SPACE SECTOR
The launch of Hanbit-Nano had been postponed three times since November 22. If the rocket had successfully completed its mission, it was planned to place 5 satellites into low orbit at an altitude of 300 kilometers.