Private space launch corporations INNOSPACE finished final prelaunch checks ahead of the first test flight of the multipurpose suborbital rocket "Sebit (SEBIT)."
INNOSPACE said on the 18th that it completed Sebit's final rehearsal (Wet Dress Rehearsal, WDR) on the 14th (Brazil local time). The target time for the first test flight is at 3:45 p.m. on the 19th (local time), which is 3:45 a.m. on the 20th in Korea.
WDR is a process that conducts a comprehensive check from propellant loading to the launch control system, ground facilities, vehicle, and safety procedures, following the same procedures as an actual launch. INNOSPACE checked overall launch procedures in this rehearsal, including integrated operations between the vehicle and ground systems.
The launch window, the period during which launch is possible, runs for 10 days from the 19th to the 28th. The launch is scheduled to take place from INNOSPACE's own platform built within the Alcântara Space Center operated by the Brazilian Air Force.
Unlike orbital launch vehicles that place satellites into Earth orbit, Sebit is a suborbital rocket that transports customers' payloads to high altitudes to conduct technology tests and scientific research. It was developed as a single-stage vehicle equipped with a 3-ton-thrust hybrid rocket engine.
The main objective of the first flight is to verify the engine performance and flight characteristics applied to Sebit; the guidance, navigation and control system; flight safety; and ground operations architecture. The company plans to use the data obtained from the test flight to develop suborbital testing and verification services.
INNOSPACE plans to use Sebit for technology demonstrations and research and development not only in space and defense but also in bio and medical fields and new materials. It aims to commercialize services that test payloads that do not require orbital insertion in suborbital environments and secure related flight data.
Chief Executive Kim Su-jong of INNOSPACE said, "We have finished preparations for the first test flight," adding, "Based on the data and operational experience obtained from this flight, we will proceed with repeat flights and gradually advance the suborbital testing and verification service model."