Innospace to Launch HANBIT-Nano with Domestic Launch Bay in Q3

Space Bay Supply Agreement
"Connecting Launch Vehicles, Satellites, and Launch Bays within Korea’s Ecosystem"

Innospace will equip the launch bay of a domestic space company for the second launch of "HANBIT-Nano," scheduled for the third quarter of this year at Brazil's Alcantara Space Center. The process of building an ecosystem for the space industry, connecting private launch vehicles, satellites, and launch bays with domestic technology, is gaining momentum.

Innospace announced on May 14 that it will mount its proprietary test satellite "InnoSat-0" in a dedicated launch bay supplied by Space Bay, a domestic company specializing in satellite separation systems and launch services, onto the HANBIT-Nano launch vehicle.

At Innospace Cheongju Campus, an integrated test is underway between the Innospace 'Innosat-0' test satellite and the Space Bay launch tube. Provided by Innospace

The launch bay is a core device that connects the satellite and the launch vehicle and ensures the satellite's stable separation in its target orbit after launch. As a structure that realizes the mechanical and electrical interface between the satellite and the launch vehicle, it requires a high level of technological verification throughout the design, testing, and integration processes.

With this contract, Innospace will proceed with the launch by mounting both its self-developed test satellite and a launch bay produced by a domestic company. Industry insiders note that it is significant in that it establishes an integrated operation system connecting launch vehicles, satellites, and launch bays based on the domestic space industry ecosystem.

Space Bay is a domestic space company that develops launch bays and satellite separation systems for ultra-small satellites. For the fourth launch of Nuri in 2025, it mounted the 6U-class ultra-small satellite launch bay "SPOD6" and conducted space environment verification. In particular, based on next-generation satellite separation technology that is non-explosive, vibration-free, and spin-free, it is securing technological competitiveness in the small satellite market.

The two companies are currently conducting integrated tests at the Innospace Cheongju Campus in North Chungcheong Province, checking the mechanical and electrical interworking and separation sequences between the launch bay and InnoSat-0. Verification work simulating the actual launch environment is also being carried out.

Soojong Kim, CEO of Innospace, said, "It is meaningful to prepare for the first test satellite launch in collaboration with a domestic partner possessing proven technological capabilities," adding, "We will ensure operational stability between the launch vehicle and satellite separation system and secure mission reliability to pursue a successful launch."

Meanwhile, HANBIT-Nano is a small satellite launch vehicle that Innospace is developing with the goal of providing commercial launch services. For this launch, the test satellite InnoSat-0, which will verify satellite systems and core technologies, is scheduled to be onboard.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.