The space launch vehicle corporation INNOSPACE announced on the 10th that it successfully completed the single-stage engine certification test for the commercial launch vehicle 'HANBIT-Nano' on the 9th.
'HANBIT-Nano,' developed independently by INNOSPACE, is a two-stage space launch vehicle capable of deploying a 90 kg payload into a 500 km sun-synchronous orbit. The first stage is equipped with one hybrid rocket engine with a thrust of 25 tons, and the second stage carries one liquid methane rocket engine with a thrust of 3 tons.
On this day, INNOSPACE achieved a combustion time of 300 seconds during the certification test of the 3-ton thrust second-stage engine. The stability of the fuel and oxidizer supply systems, structural integrity, and launch vehicle integrated control systems were also validated on the ground.
The second stage performs the role of reliably placing satellites into orbit after separating from the first stage of the launch vehicle at an altitude of over 100 km in space. It plays a crucial role in the final mission success of the launch vehicle.
The second stage of 'HANBIT-Nano' applies a liquid methane rocket engine developed with INNOSPACE's proprietary technology. An electric pump has been applied to the liquid methane rocket engine to simplify the components. Additionally, a design that separates fuel and oxidizer using a single 'common wall' with an overcooling technology has been implemented within a stainless steel integrated tank, achieving both structural simplification and weight reduction.
Kim Soo-jong, CEO of INNOSPACE, noted, 'With the success of this second-stage engine certification test, we have completed the upper stage development of the HANBIT-Nano launch vehicle. This is a very symbolic and meaningful technological achievement that shows that INNOSPACE has entered the final stage for commercial launches, while also proving the technology and operational capabilities accumulated over a long time.'
INNOSPACE plans to conduct the final launch of 'HANBIT-Nano' in the second half of this year.