Innospace delays orbital launch to 2027 after SEBIT rocket flight failure

South Korean aerospace company Innospace has announced a delay for its HANBIT-Nano orbital rocket launch until the first half of 2027 following a technical failure during a suborbital test flight.

During a test flight of the SEBIT rocket at the Alcântara Launch Center in Maranhão, Brazil, on August 19, 2026, the vehicle deviated from its planned trajectory approximately 35 seconds after liftoff. Telemetry analysis revealed inconsistencies in the control algorithm responsible for managing the four direction fins at the bottom of the rocket, particularly during low-speed phases.

In response to the deviation, the Brazilian Air Force activated the Flight Termination System, which safely cut the oxidant supply to the hybrid motor without using explosive devices. The rocket landed in a predetermined maritime safety zone, resulting in no injuries or damage to the facility. Innospace has submitted its cause analysis report to the Aeronautical Accident Investigation and Prevention Center (Cenipa), which is conducting a joint investigation with the company to refine control software and testing procedures.