Cause of suspension of Sebit rocket test launch, need for supplementation of attitude control algorithm confirmed

As a result of Sebit cause analysis, it was confirmed that the aircraft attitude algorithm needs to be supplemented.

(Seoul = Yonhap News) Reporter Cho Seung-han = Innospace [462350], a space launch vehicle company, announced on the 30th that it has confirmed that the vehicle attitude control algorithm needs to be supplemented as a result of its own analysis of the cause of the multi-purpose suborbital rocket 'Sebit', which stopped flying during a test launch last month.

Innospace also announced that it is re-testing Sebit, targeting November, and is considering postponing the launch of the commercial launch vehicle 'Hanbit-Nano' to the first half of next year.

Innospace announced on this day that it submitted its own cause analysis report from the Sebit test flight to the Brazilian Center for Air Accident Investigation and Prevention (CENIPA) and is conducting a joint investigation.

Previously, Innospace test-launched Sevit from the Alcantara Space Center in Brazil on the 19th of last month (local time), but as movement outside the planned flight trajectory was detected, the Brazilian Air Force activated the flight termination system (FTS) in accordance with launch site safety regulations, ending the flight.

Innospace announced that, as a result of its own analysis of the cause based on measurement data, it identified areas that needed improvement in the algorithm that controls the attitude and direction by moving the four fins mounted on the bottom of the aircraft.

It was identified that there was a difference between the design predictions and the actual flight results in the low-speed flight section.

Innospace announced that it is improving the fin control algorithm and design and test procedures to be applied to subsequent verification flights based on actual data acquired during flight.

In addition, Innospace explained that it is participating in a joint investigation by providing additional analysis data and technical consultations required during the CENIPA investigation process, and that additional matters confirmed in the official investigation will be reflected in necessary supplementation and verification.

Through this test flight, Innospace announced that it confirmed the performance of its independently developed ‘non-explosive FTS’ as one of its main verification technologies.

The company explained that when a flight termination command is issued, the supply of oxidizer is cut off to stop the thrust of the propulsion engine (engine), and the rocket is separated to safely end the flight. By not using explosives, handling and transportation restrictions and the burden of related costs can be reduced.

Kim Soo-jong, CEO of Innospace, said, "Innospace is pursuing a plan to resume the Sevit verification flight in November and adjust the Hanbit-Nano launch time to the first half of next year by comprehensively considering the investigation, technology supplementation and verification status, launch site operation conditions, and business strategy." He added, "The possibility of adjustment is currently being discussed with related organizations such as Brazil's ALADA and the Air Force (FAB), and the specific schedule will be finalized based on the results of future discussions."