The launch of the rocket in Alcântara is postponed until this Monday | Brazil

The rocket could be the first commercial launch of a space vehicle from Brazilian territory.

Initially, the launch was scheduled to take place last Wednesday (17). However, during the final stage of the systems investigation, an anomaly was detected in part of the oxidizer cooling system. The company then decided to postpone the launch to be able to change the components.

Another attempt took place this Friday (19), but the operation was interrupted again due to the abnormal operation of a ventilation valve, installed in the liquid methane tank of the second stage of the vehicle.

“This valve is a critical component, responsible for maintaining adequate pressure control at the top of the launcher. If the valve does not operate properly when in the closed position, the internal pressure of the tank can continue to increase, potentially leading to structural failure,” Innospace said in a statement.

According to the company, after the launch was suspended on Friday, the rocket’s fuels were safely drained and the vehicle was placed in a horizontal position on the launch pad. A complete inspection of the system functions and components was carried out.

“No additional anomalies have been identified other than the vent valve. A backup valve is available and the company plans to perform a final functional check after replacement, based on the results of its root cause analysis,” Innospace added.

The space vehicle – which measures 21.8 meters long, 1.4 meters in diameter and weighs 20 tonnes – will carry satellites into low Earth orbit (LEO), at an altitude of around 300 km and an inclination of 40 degrees.

A total of eight payloads are inside the cover at the top of the launcher: five small satellites to be placed in orbit and three experimental devices, developed by institutions and companies in Brazil and India.

The launch operation, coordinated by the FAB, will be broadcast live on the channel of the South Korean company Innospace.