By Kim Eun-jung

SEOUL, Aug. 20 (Yonhap) -- Innospace Co., a South Korean space startup, said Thursday the first test flight of its multipurpose suborbital rocket Sebit was terminated after the vehicle deviated from its planned trajectory.

Sebit lifted off normally from the Alcantara Space Center in Brazil at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday (local time), but deviated from its planned flight path, prompting the Brazilian Air Force to activate the flight termination system, Innospace said.

Sebit is powered by a 3-ton-class hybrid engine and is designed to reach altitudes of up to 100 kilometers.

The rocket fell within a designated maritime safety zone off Brazil, with no casualties or damage to facilities reported, Innospace said.

The company said it is analyzing flight data to determine the cause of the trajectory deviation and flight termination and will use the findings to prepare for follow-up flights.

ejkim@yna.co.kr

(END)

• N. Korea silent on Lee's proposal for dialogue to officially end Korean War
• (2nd LD) Lee proposes dialogue with N. Korea to officially end Korean War, halt Pyongyang's nuclear program
• Incheon airport ranks world's No. 1 in int'l passenger traffic in first half
• (LEAD) Gov't aims to supply over 230,000 additional homes in Seoul metropolitan area to tame housing prices

• (2nd LD) Gov't aims to supply over 230,000 additional homes in Seoul metropolitan area to tame housing prices

• N. Korea silent on Lee's proposal for dialogue to officially end Korean War

• Trump signs memo permitting foreign shipbuilders to build up to 2 U.S. ships in their shipyards
• (LEAD) Lee reiterates support for four-year, two-term presidential system
• (2nd LD) Lee proposes dialogue with N. Korea to officially end Korean War, halt Pyongyang's nuclear program
• Incheon airport ranks world's No. 1 in int'l passenger traffic in first half