Building a Governance Framework for Commercial Space Accident Investigations: Lessons from the HANBIT-Nano Investigation

The expansion of the New Space paradigm has driven the growth of commercial spaceflight, exposing critical gaps in international accident investigation frameworks. While civil aviation relies on globally harmonized mechanisms established by International Civil Aviation Organization Annex 13, the commercial space sector lacks standardized structures to address transnational accidents involving private operators and proprietary technologies. This article analyzes the first Brazilian investigation of a commercial space accident—the launch failure of the HANBIT-Nano vehicle—conducted by the Aeronautical Accidents Investigation and Prevention Center (CENIPA) under the newly established Space Activities Accidents Investigation and Prevention System (SIPAE). Employing a qualitative single-case study approach grounded in participant observation, the study examines the development of national investigative capacities and emerging institutional dynamics. The findings demonstrate that independent, technically robust investigations can be achieved through a combination of national institutional capability, adapted methodologies, and what this study conceptualizes as investigative diplomacy— ad hoc cooperative arrangements designed to reconcile procedures and safeguard intellectual property. As its main contribution, this article proposes an Integrated Governance Architecture for Commercial Space Accident Investigations based on five interdependent pillars: investigative independence, secure access to technical knowledge, structured industry participation, transnational investigative cooperation, and sustainable investigative capacity. The study concludes that accident investigation must be recognized as an essential governance function, critical to ensuring long-term safety and sustainability within the New Space ecosystem.