HANBIT-Nano | Flight 2

### Innospace's HANBIT-Nano Flight 2: A Pivotal Step in South Korea's Small Satellite Launch Ambitions

On June 30, 2026, the South Korean aerospace startup Innospace is set to attempt its second orbital launch with the HANBIT-Nano rocket, marking a critical milestone in the company's efforts to carve out a niche in the burgeoning small satellite market. This mission, dubbed HANBIT-Nano Flight 2, follows a previous attempt that highlighted both the promise and challenges of developing cost-effective launch solutions from scratch. As global demand for dedicated smallsat rideshares surges, Innospace's push could reshape access to space for emerging economies and private ventures alike.

At the heart of the mission are objectives centered on demonstrating reliable orbital insertion for payloads up to 50 kilograms into low Earth orbit (LEO). Unlike larger rockets that handle massive satellites, HANBIT-Nano is tailored for the smallsat revolution, where constellations for Earth observation, communications, and scientific research require frequent, affordable launches. For Flight 2, the payload is expected to include a mix of experimental cubesats from South Korean universities and international partners, focusing on technology validation such as advanced propulsion systems and remote sensing instruments. This capability addresses a key gap in the market: while giants like SpaceX offer rideshares, dedicated small launchers like HANBIT-Nano promise quicker turnaround times and customized orbits, potentially reducing costs to under $10 million per launch for clients in sectors like agriculture monitoring or disaster response.

The rocket's design emphasizes simplicity and hybrid propulsion, blending liquid oxidizer with solid fuel for enhanced safety and efficiency. Standing at approximately 16.3 meters tall with a diameter of 1.2 meters, HANBIT-Nano weighs about 12 tons at liftoff. Its first stage employs a hybrid engine delivering around 15 tons of thrust, supplemented by a second stage for orbital fine-tuning. This hybrid approach, pioneered by Innospace, minimizes the risks associated with fully liquid systems while offering throttle control for precise trajectory adjustments. Technical specs include a payload fairing capable of accommodating up to 1.5 cubic meters, with guidance systems relying on inertial navigation and GPS for accuracy within 10 kilometers of target orbits at altitudes of 300-500 kilometers. These features draw from Innospace's background in aviation and defense, incorporating lightweight composites to optimize mass fraction and reduce manufacturing costs.

Performance history has been a learning curve. The inaugural orbital attempt in 2025 ended in partial