INNOSPACE (KS:462350) has rescheduled the first commercial launch of its small satellite launch vehicle, HANBIT-Nano, from July to the second half of 2025—the schedule adjustment follows the identification of technical inspection issues related to the vehicle’s first-stage electric pump and hybrid propulsion system during preparations for the stage qualification test.
While these issues were not evident during earlier performance tests, they were identified during a propellant supply system test conducted prior to the stage qualification test. Additional time is now required to address the identified risks and complete more detected inspections to ensure a stable launch.
The stage qualification test, a key milestone for verifying the launch vehicle’s safety and mission capability, is a mandatory step for securing launch approval. Testing is scheduled to begin next month, with approval review to commence upon its completion.
The revised launch schedule will be finalized promptly upon the completion of technical inspections and the stage qualification test.
Previously, INNOSPACE rescheduled the HANBIT-Nano launch from March to July 2025 due to delays in the delivery of electric pump components and the construction of the Goheung Integrated Test Facility.
Note: The stage qualification test is the last stage of ground testing before launch. It simulates real launch conditions with the vehicle fixed vertically to a test stand, verifying the full performance of propulsion systems, propellant tanks, supply lines, valves, control electronics, and all operational systems.