Brazil’s First Commercial Orbital Launch From Alcântara Pushed to Dec. 17

Overview

• The launch window now runs from December 17 to 22 under Operation Spaceward at the Alcântara Launch Center after a joint technical decision by FAB, AEB and Innospace.
• Innospace conducted a full dress rehearsal on the pad and reported successful pressure, electrical, control and vehicle–platform integration tests, and the CLA remains fully operational.
• The HANBIT‑Nano mission will carry eight payloads—five satellites and three experiments—from Brazilian groups and one Indian partner, including UFSC’s FloripaSat‑2A/2B and UFMA’s PION‑BR2.
• AEB describes the launcher as a two‑stage hybrid‑propulsion vehicle designed to place up to about 90 kg into a 500 km orbit, with a 25‑tonne‑thrust first stage and HyPER or LiMER options for the second stage.
• Officials characterize the effort as Brazil’s entry into the commercial launch market with added symbolic weight two decades after the 2003 Alcântara accident.