South Korean HANBIT-Nano Rocket Explodes During Launch at Brazil's Alcântara Space Center
The South Korean HANBIT-Nano orbital rocket exploded during its launch from Brazil's Alcântara spaceport, carrying Brazilian and Indian scientific payloads.
- • The HANBIT-Nano rocket exploded shortly after launch at Alcântara, marking Brazil's first orbital rocket attempt since 1999.
- • The rocket carried satellites and scientific experiments from Brazil and India, including a navigation algorithm test by Brazilian company CLC.
- • Technical issues delayed the launch multiple times prior to the explosion, with a ventilation valve problem among them.
- • FAB confirmed adherence to safety protocols and dispatched teams to assess the crash site and wreckage.
Key details
On the night of December 22, 2025, the South Korean HANBIT-Nano rocket exploded shortly after launch from the Alcântara Launch Center in Maranhão, Brazil. According to the Brazilian Air Force (FAB), the rocket initially followed its planned trajectory but encountered an anomaly leading to its crash. This marked Brazil's first attempt to launch an orbital rocket since 1999.
The HANBIT-Nano is a two-stage orbital launch vehicle designed to deliver up to 90 kilograms into orbit at approximately 500 kilometers altitude. Developed by a team of 247 professionals including 102 engineers, it represents a new generation of small launch vehicles. The launch experienced multiple delays due to technical issues, including problems with a ventilation valve and other components observed during pre-launch inspections.
Onboard the rocket were satellites and scientific experiments from Brazil and India. Notably, the Brazilian company Castro Leite Consultoria (CLC) developed an experiment aiming to validate a navigation algorithm with potential application in future space missions. FAB reported that, following a request from the manufacturer, only data from one of these experiments were officially shared.
Following the explosion, FAB and the Fire Department sent teams to inspect the wreckage and impact zone. FAB confirmed all safety and data collection protocols were properly followed during the attempt. The launch was particularly significant given Brazil's checkered history with orbital launches; a tragic explosion in 2003 killed 21 people and paused space launch operations for years.
This incident highlights the technical and operational challenges Brazil faces as it seeks to establish itself in orbital spaceflight. Despite the setback, the experience and data gathered may contribute to the development of future missions leveraging Alcântara’s strategic location and international partnerships.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
