INNOSPACE (KS:462350), a South Korean satellite launch service company, announced that it has become the first private company to obtain a commercial launch authorization from the Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA)—with this authorization, INNOSPACE has completed all approval procedures for the maiden launch of ‘HANBIT-Nano’ and has officially commenced preparations for the launch.

The company has finalized the launch window for the ‘SPACEWARD’ mission with HANBIT-Nano, scheduled between October 28 and November 28 (Brazil time). Based on launch operation procedures, mission stability, and coordination of integrated operation schedules with the Brazilian Air Force, the original launch window—October 28 to November 7—has been extended to November 28.

This extension was confirmed through a public call process hosted by the Brazilian Space Agency (AEB) and the Brazilian Air Force and reflects their active support in ensuring optimal conditions and a stable launch. The mission holds significant symbolic value as the first commercial launch by a private company from Brazil’s space launch site.

The exact launch date and time during this period will be finalized in coordination with the Brazilian Air Force, after comprehensive consideration of weather conditions, technical verifications, and overall launch operations status. The launch will take place at the Alcântara Space Center (CEA), operated by the Brazilian Air Force, from INNOSPACE’s proprietary launch platform.

The HANBIT-Nano ‘SPACEWARD’ mission marks the company’s first commercial launch, going beyond demonstration launch to carry customer satellites and payloads into low Earth orbit (LEO) at an altitude of 300 km. Under contracts signed with five customers from Brazil, India, and South Korea, INNOSPACE will deliver a total of eight registered payloads—including small satellites and non-separating experimental payloads—along with one symbolic branding item as a non-registered payload.

Among the registered payloads are five small satellites for practical purposes such as climate and environmental data collection, technology development, and education, as well as three non-separating experimental payloads for technology verification and data acquisition in space. In addition, through a collaboration with South Korean beverage company BREWGURU, INNOSPACE will carry a branding model item to space, symbolizing the pioneering spirit of the new space era.

Above all, for the first commercial launch of HANBIT-Nano, a government delegation from the Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA) will visit the launch site to strengthen space cooperation between Korea and Brazil, review the launch safety management system, and provide support for a stable and successful mission. This visit is expected to serve as an important milestone in expanding international collaboration and building greater global trust in the future.

The mission’s name ‘SPACEWARD,’ conveys the spirit of “Let’s Space Forward,” symbolizing INNOSPACE’s first step toward space with its independently developed two-stage launch vehicle, HANBIT-Nano, carrying customer satellites into orbit.

This authorization demonstrates that HANBIT-Nano has met all requirements for safety, mission capability, environmental and security standards, officially recognizing its technical and legal reliability as the first commercial launch vehicle approved for launch by a South Korean private company,” said Soojong Kim, founder and CEO of INNOSPACE. “As the SPACEWARD mission is not merely a flight test but a historic milestone announcing our entry into the commercial space transportation market, our entire team is committed to ensuring a stable and successful launch.

“From the development of our first commercial launch vehicle, HANBIT-Nano, to obtaining this launch authorization, these achievements have only been possible through the active cooperation and support of key institutions such as the Korea Aerospace Administration (KASA), Goheung County, local fire and police authorities, and all relevant organizations. INNOSPACE will continue to work closely with our partners to ensure rigorous safety management and responsible operations throughout the development, preparation, and launch phases of future missions as we advance toward becoming a trusted provider of launch services,” he added.

HANBIT-Nano·SPACEWARD Mission: Customer Status

About INNOSPACE
INNOSPACE is a South Korean space platform provider specializing in satellite launcher manufacturing and orbital launch services. Founded in 2017, the company is developing hybrid rocket-powered small satellite launchers (HANBIT) to provide low-latency, low-cost, and reliable launch services in today’s rapidly expanding small satellite market. In March 2023, INNOSPACE successfully launched its test launch vehicle ‘HANBIT-TLV’ to verify the flight performance of the first stage 150 kN thrust hybrid rocket engine from the Alcantara Space Center in Brazil. INNOSPACE has offices in South Korea, Brazil and France and is expanding global business opportunities in the space industry.