Private space launch corporations INNOSPACE postponed the launch schedule of its first commercial launch vehicle, "Hanbit-Nano (HANBIT-Nano)," by two days. During final checks, signs of an anomaly were found in the cooling unit of the first-stage oxidizer feed system, and the change is to secure time needed to replace parts.
INNOSPACE said on the 17th (local time) that it would change the launch schedule initially set for the 17th to 3:45 p.m. on the 19th (local time). In Korea time, that is 3:45 a.m. on Dec. 20.
The company moved Hanbit-Nano from the assembly building to the launch pad on the 15th local time in Brazil and placed it normally on its own launch pad. Then, during final checks before erecting the launch vehicle on the 16th, an abnormality was detected in the first-stage oxidizer feed system cooling unit, and after confirming the cause and corrective measures, it made a final decision to adjust the launch schedule.
INNOSPACE said the situation can be addressed by replacing some parts of the cooling unit, allowing the launch to proceed, and that there is no structural defect in the launch vehicle itself. Although new launch operations typically require about three days, the assessment is that a launch two days later is possible because parts can be replaced while the vehicle remains on the pad.
The launch window for Hanbit-Nano runs from Dec. 16 to 22.