INNOSPACE (KS:462350), a South Korean satellite launch service company, has adjusted the scheduled launch date of its first commercial launch, SPACEWARD, from November 22 to December 17 (BRT). The decision follows the identification of intermittent minor signal irregularities observed during a joint avionics integration test with the Brazilian Air Force (FAB). The launch window will run from December 16 to December 22 (BRT).
During the joint test campaign, INNOSPACE and FAB conducted comprehensive verification of mission-critical functions in an aircraft-based flight environment, including telemetry and navigation data transmission, flight-tracking, and Flight Termination System signal reception. While the overall system-to-system integration operated normally, the teams observed intermittent minor anomalies in specific segments of the signal-processing chain. Both organizations agreed to conduct additional detailed assessments and complementary analyses to further strengthen launch success probability and mission reliability.
“FAB continues to maintain all facilities, personnel, and operational systems at a high standard. This schedule adjustment is a common procedure in space-launch operations and provides an opportunity for technical reinforcement — not a setback, but a step toward an even safer and more robust launch,” said Col. Rogério Moreira Cazo, Mission Director for the HANBIT-Nano SPACEWARD campaign of FAB.
“We sincerely acknowledge the unforeseen extension of the mission period. This decision reflects the time needed to ensure that the signal-processing system meets the reliability thresholds required for mission operations, based on the data provided by the launch center.
In particular, the intermittent communication-signal irregularities observed during the aircraft-based avionics test are directly linked to mission execution and public safety. We will work closely with the Brazilian Air Force to rigorously implement all required actions and responsibly complete the launch mission,” said Soojong Kim, Founder and CEO of INNOSPACE.
INNOSPACE also confirmed that the two-day Wet Dress Rehearsals (WDR) held on November 18–19 (BRT) at the Alcântara Space Center were completed successfully. The rehearsal reproduced the full ground sequence under real launch conditions — including transport of the launch vehicle from the assembly building to the launch pad, pre-launch preparations, launch-sequence validation, and post-sequence pad recovery operations. Both the launch vehicle and all ground support systems were assessed to be in good operational readiness. The procedures were jointly executed by INNOSPACE engineers and FAB personnel.