Innospace: "Sebit Test Flight Halt Reveals Need for Fin Control Algorithm Improvement"

Joint Investigation with Brazil's CENIPA
Sebit Follow-Up Launch Planned for November,
Hanbit-Nano Targeted for First Half of Next Year

Innospace, a private space launch company, analyzed the flight data from the first test flight of its multipurpose suborbital rocket 'Sebit (SEBIT)' in Brazil last month, which was terminated early. The analysis identified areas that require improvements in the fin control algorithm responsible for adjusting the rocket's attitude and direction. The company is planning to reschedule the follow-up verification flight for Sebit to November, while the launch of the Hanbit-Nano is being considered for the first half of next year.

On September 30, Innospace announced that it had submitted its own report on the cause of the early termination of the Sebit test flight to Brazil's Center for Investigation and Prevention of Aeronautical Accidents (CENIPA) and is conducting a joint investigation.

Innospace Multipurpose Suborbital Rocket 'Sebit (SEBIT)'. Provided by Innospace

On August 19, at 4:30 p.m. local time, Sebit conducted its first test flight at Brazil's Alcantara Space Center, but the mission was terminated during the flight.

A self-analysis of the collected telemetry data revealed issues in the algorithm that controls the rocket's attitude and direction by maneuvering four fins at the lower end of the vehicle. Notably, discrepancies were found between the predicted values from the design phase and the actual flight results in the low-speed flight segment.

Based on the actual flight data, the company is improving both the fin control algorithm and the design and testing procedures for application in subsequent flights. Additionally, any new findings from the official CENIPA investigation will be incorporated into technical upgrades.

This flight also demonstrated the actual operation of Innospace's independently developed "non-explosive Flight Termination System (FTS)." Following a flight termination command, the system cuts off the oxidizer supply to stop engine thrust and separates the rocket. Innospace stated that the system functioned normally and as designed.

Comparison of the lower structure and flight control methods of the small satellite launch vehicle ‘HANBIT-Nano’ and the multipurpose suborbital rocket ‘SEBIT’. Provided by Innospace

The future launch schedule will also be adjusted. Innospace is coordinating with Brazil's state-owned aerospace company ALADA and the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) to resume the follow-up verification flight of Sebit in November and to reschedule the Hanbit-Nano launch for the first half of next year. The specific dates have not yet been finalized.

Soojong Kim, CEO of Innospace, said, "We plan to quickly resume the follow-up flight to complete technology verification and accelerate commercialization," adding, "We are comprehensively adjusting the schedule in consideration of the CENIPA investigation, current status of technical improvements and verification, and launch site operational conditions."

Sebit is a multipurpose suborbital rocket developed to transport payloads to altitudes below 100 km, enabling technology tests and scientific research in high-altitude and microgravity environments. Innospace plans to target the testing and verification service market in the space, defense, bio, medical, and advanced materials sectors.

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