The launch of the Hanbit-Nano rocket, from the South Korean company Innospace, from the Alcântara Launch Center (CLA), in Maranhão, was rescheduled for 3:45 pm this Monday (22). According to the Brazilian Air Force (FAB), this is the last day of the launch window.
The rocket could be the first commercial launch of a space vehicle from Brazilian territory.
Initially, the launch was scheduled to take place last Wednesday (17). However, during the final stage of investigating the systems, an anomaly was detected in part of the fuel oxidizer cooling system. The company then decided to postpone the launch to be able to change the components.
There was another attempt this Friday (19), but operation was interrupted again due to the abnormal functioning of a ventilation valveinstalled in the liquid methane tank of the vehicle’s second stage.
“This valve is an essential component, responsible for maintaining adequate pressure control at the top of the launch vehicle. If the valve does not function correctly when it is in the closed position, the internal pressure of the tank may continue to rise, potentially leading to a structural failure,” Innospace said in a statement.
According to the company, after the launch was suspended on Friday, the rocket’s fuels were safely drained, and the vehicle was positioned in a horizontal position on the launch pad. A comprehensive inspection of system functions and components was carried out.
“No additional anomalies were identified other than the vent valve. A backup valve is available, and the company plans to perform final functional verification after replacement, based on the results of its root cause analysis,” Innospace added.
Five satellites
The space vehicle – which is 21.8 meters long, 1.4 meters in diameter, and weighs 20 tons – will carry satellites into low Earth orbit (LEO)at an altitude of approximately 300 km and an inclination of 40 degrees.
A total of eight payloads are inside the hood at the top of the launch vehicle: five small satellites for placement in orbit and three experimental devices, developed by institutions and companies from Brazil and India.
The launch operation, which is coordinated by the FAB, will be broadcast live, via channel of the South Korean company Innospace.
