Innospace is a South Korean aerospace company specializing in hybrid-propulsion rocket technology, with an approach comparable to Gilmour Space.
Propulsion System
The HANBIT-NANO employs hybrid rocket engines, utilizing liquid oxygen as the oxidizer and paraffin-based solid fuel. This configuration provides safety advantages, including reduced risk of accidental ignition, simplified pre-launch oxidizer loading, and combustion control limited to periods of oxidizer flow. Hybrid systems also support restart capability, incorporating characteristics from both solid and liquid propellant designs.
Vehicle Overview
The HANBIT-NANO is a two-stage small-lift launch vehicle. Vehicle dimensions are 21.8 m in height and 1.4 m in diameter. The first stage uses a single hybrid engine, while the second stage provides options with either a hybrid engine (HYPER) or a liquid methane/oxygen engine (LiMER).
The inaugural orbital mission will launch from the Alcântara Space Center in Brazil. Innospace has agreements for launches from Australia, and is looking for launches from Europe, and South Korea.
Comparison with Contemporary Small-Lift Vehicles
The table below presents key specifications for selected small-lift launch vehicles (approximate values based on available data; costs where disclosed).
| Rocket | Height (m) | Diameter (m) | Payload to 500 km SSO (kg) | Payload to LEO (kg) | Estimated Cost per Launch (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Firefly Alpha | 29 | 1.8–2.2 | 630 | 1030–1170 | 15–19 million |
| Rocket Lab Electron | 18 | 1.2 | 200 | 300 | 7–8 million |
| Gilmour Space Eris (Block 1) | 25 | 2 | 215 | 305 | N/A |
| HANBIT-NANO | 21.8 | 1.4 | 90 | N/A | N/A |
SPACEWARD Mission
As of December 23, 2025, the SPACEWARD mission - the inaugural orbital flight of HANBIT-NANO - is scheduled for launch on this date from Alcântara Space Center, Brazil. The mission aimed to deploy approximately 22 kg of payload, including eight items (five small satellites and experimental devices from Brazilian and Indian institutions), into a ~300 km low Earth orbit at ~40° inclination. Launch operations faced adjustments due to weather and prior technical reviews, with the final attempt targeted for late evening local time.
Livestream
HANBIT-Nano | ‘SPACEWARD’ Mission Launch Livestream – INNOSPACE
Company website: INNOSPACE
Useful links to stay up to date on launches:
Spaceflightnow.com: Launch Schedule
Next Spaceflight: [Launches](https://nextspaceflight.com/launches]
NASA Spaceflight nasaspacefight.com