Seoul: Innospace Co., a South Korean space startup, has introduced a new multipurpose suborbital rocket named Sebit as part of its strategy to broaden its launch service offerings to cater to a wider array of missions.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Sebit is equipped with a 3-ton-class hybrid engine and is capable of reaching altitudes exceeding 50 kilometers. It will relay real-time position and payload data, enabling continuous monitoring throughout its flight. This suborbital rocket is designed for missions that require shorter durations as it does not achieve orbital velocity, allowing it to return to Earth post-mission.

Sebit's introduction represents an expansion of Innospace's rocket offerings beyond its existing Hanbit launch vehicle. This development allows the company to provide services for testing, validation, and research, in addition to satellite launch capabilities. The company has scheduled Sebit's inaugural flight test for July at the Alcantara Space Center in Brazil, aiming to evaluate its performance under real-world conditions.

Innospace CEO Kim Soo-joong stated, "Demand for transportation platforms using flight vehicles is rapidly expanding beyond satellite launches to include technology validation and experimental applications in high-speed, high-altitude, and high-maneuvering environments." With the Sebit rocket, Innospace intends to meet the increasing demand in both the space and defense sectors.