Innospace: South Korea’s Rise in Spaceflight with the HANBIT Rocket Series

The space industry is steadily growing, with new players entering the market. One such company is Innospace, a South Korean rocket developer specializing in hybrid propulsion systems. At Space Tech Expo Europe 2024, we spoke with Win Marshal Bronzewall, Global Business Director at Innospace, about the future of spaceflight and the HANBIT rocket series. The full interview can be found here:

Hybrid Propulsion as a Key Technology

Since its founding in 2017, Innospace has been working on a cost-effective and flexible solution for launching small satellites. The company focuses on hybrid propulsion systems that combine the advantages of solid and liquid fuel engines. This technology enables better flight control, enhances safety, and reduces operational costs—an essential factor in an industry traditionally defined by high expenditures.

The HANBIT Rocket Series

With the HANBIT series, Innospace is developing three different launch vehicle models. The first, HANBIT-Nano, is a two-stage rocket designed for small satellites. It measures 21.8 meters in length, has a diameter of 1.4 meters, and can carry payloads of up to 90 kilograms into a sun-synchronous orbit (SSO) at 500 kilometers altitude. The rocket’s propulsion system consists of a 25-ton hybrid engine in the first stage and a 3-ton engine in the second stage. Notably, the second stage can be equipped with different propulsion systems depending on customer requirements—either the hybrid-powered “Hyper” engine or the methane-powered “Reamer” engine.

A significant technical feature is the stage separation mechanism. While many rocket manufacturers use pyrotechnic systems that create explosive forces, Innospace employs a split-nut method based on pressure and mechanical tension. This makes the system lighter, simpler, and safer than conventional methods. Additionally, the payload fairing is made from advanced carbon fiber composite material, reducing overall weight and improving resistance to extreme temperatures.

Following HANBIT-Nano, two larger models will be introduced: HANBIT-Micro, scheduled for launch in September 2025, and HANBIT-Mini, planned for late 2026. These rockets aim to accommodate larger payloads and meet a broader range of customer needs.

Market Potential and Competition

The small satellite market is expanding rapidly, driving demand for flexible and cost-efficient launch options. Companies like Rocket Lab and Virgin Orbit have already proven that dedicated small launch vehicles can be commercially successful. Innospace is positioning itself in this market by leveraging hybrid propulsion technology, which occupies a niche between traditional solid and liquid-fueled rockets.

Another strategic advantage is the choice of launch sites in Brazil and Australia, providing flexible launch opportunities for different orbits and minimizing weather-related delays. This geographical diversification allows the company to better meet customer requirements and optimize launch capacity utilization.

The Future of Hybrid Spaceflight

The further development of hybrid rockets comes with challenges. Scaling up to larger models requires extensive testing and validation. Additionally, it remains to be seen how hybrid propulsion will compare to conventional liquid and solid-fuel engines in the long run. However, the growing market for satellite launches and the increasing demand for flexible launch capabilities indicate that innovative propulsion concepts will play an increasingly important role.

With the HANBIT rocket series, Innospace demonstrates how new technologies can redefine access to space. Whether hybrid rockets will establish themselves as a preferred alternative in the coming years remains to be seen—but the technological foundation has already been laid.