Korea Issues First Commercial Launch License
Launch Window for SPACEWARD Mission Opens October 28
The Korea Aerospace Administration (KASA) has awarded its first first private commercial launch license to Innospace for the first launch of ‘HANBIT-Nano’.
“This launch permit is significant in that it meets all the conditions required by the state, such as the safety of the launch vehicle, mission capability, and environmental and security standards.”
Kim so-jong, Innospace
Innospace has confirmed that preparations are underway for the launch from the Alcantara Space Center in Brazil, with the launch window for the Hanbit-Nano ‘SPACEWARD’ mission spanning four weeks from October 28th to November 28th.
The launch window refers to the period during which the actual launch can be launched, and based on the launch inspection procedure, mission stability, and coordination of the integrated operation schedule with the Brazilian Air Force. It was originally from announced as October 28th to November 7th, was expanded to November 28th by adding the launch preliminary period. This was confirmed through a public call process presided over by the Brazilian Space Agency and the Air Force, and it is the result of active support for optimal conditions and stable launches, as this launch is the first commercial launch carried out by the private sector at the Brazilian space launch site. The specific launch date and time will be finalized after consultation with the Brazilian Air Force, taking into account weather conditions, technical inspections, and launch operation conditions during the period. The Alcântara Space Center is operated by the Brazilian Air Force, and the rocket will lift off from the Innospace self-built launch platform.
Beyond being a launch demonstration, the Hanbit-Nano ‘SPACEWARD’ mission is the first commercial launch that will put an actual customer’s satellite and payload into low Earth orbit (LEO) at an altitude of 300 km (≈186 miles). Through this mission, Innospace plans to transport a total of 8 regular payloads, including small satellites for orbital purposes and non-separable experimental devices, as well as one branding model, into space in accordance with launch service contracts signed with five domestic and foreign customers, including Brazil, India, and South Korea. Among them, the regular payload consists of five small satellites that will perform practical purposes such as climate and environmental data collection, technology development, and education, and three experimental payloads for verifying new technologies and securing data in the space environment. In addition, Innospace has collaborated with Korean liquor company Buruguru to bring one branding model symbolizing the pioneering of the aerospace era into space, adding a special meaning.
“This launch permit is significant in that it meets all the conditions required by the state, such as the safety of the launch vehicle, mission capability, and environmental and security standards, and is the first private company in Korea to be officially recognized for its legal and technical reliability for commercial launches,” said Kim so-jong, CEO of Innospace. “The achievements achieved throughout the entire process, from the development of the first commercial launch vehicle ‘Hanbit-Nano’ to the acquisition of launch permits, were made possible by the active cooperation and support of relevant organizations such as the National Aerospace Administration, Goheung-gun, Jeollanam-do, and local fire and police authorities.”
Addiontally, a government delegation from the National Aerospace Administration (NASA) will visit the site for the first commercial launch of ‘Hanbit-Nano’ to provide cooperation and support for stable launches, such as strengthening space cooperation between Korea and Brazil and inspecting the launch safety management system.
This is the first commercial launch mission to transport a customer’s satellite to low Earth orbit using Innospace’s independently developed two-stage space launch vehicle ‘Hanbit-Nano’. The name of the launch mission of ‘Hanbit-Nano’, ‘SPACEWARD’, means taking the first step towards space under the slogan ‘Let’s Space Forward’.