ABL Space Systems

Overview ABL Space Systems is a U.S. launch and launch‑systems company that developed the RS1 small‑lift rocket and GS0, a containerized ground system for responsive launch. Founded in 2017, ABL builds engines, structures, avionics, and ground hardware in‑house and operates facilities in El Segundo and Long Beach, California, with testing at Mojave, CA, and launch operations prepared for multiple ranges. In late 2024 ABL announced a shift in near‑term focus from commercial satellite launch toward defense applications while continuing to develop deployable launch systems. Launch Vehicle • RS1: Two‑stage, LOX/kerosene launch vehicle designed for high‑rate, infrastructure‑light operations. The first stage uses nine E2 sea‑level engines; the second stage uses a single E2 vacuum engine (gas‑generator cycle). RS1 is approximately 27 m tall and 1.8 m in diameter, with advertised performance up to ~1,350 kg to low Earth orbit and ~970 kg to a 500‑km sun‑synchronous orbit, depending on mission profile. The vehicle supports multi‑burn second‑stage operations for orbit insertion and phasing. • Propellants: Jet‑A or RP‑1 with liquid oxygen. • Integration: RS1 and GS0 are designed to be transported in standard shipping containers and activated on a flat pad with a small team for rapid site turn‑up. Ground System • GS0: A deployable, containerized launch site comprising a lifting launch mount, site systems for fluid and electrical services, bulk propellant tanks, and mobile mission control. GS0 is engineered to provide orbital launch capability from minimal fixed infrastructure, enabling operations from existing ranges and austere locations. Launch and Test Sites • Pacific Spaceport Complex – Alaska (Kodiak): Site of RS1 Flight 1 and subsequent pre‑launch testing. • Cape Canaveral, Florida: The U.S. Space Force allocated Launch Complex 15 to ABL; Space Florida’s SLC‑46 has been used for near‑term preparations. • United Kingdom: ABL has worked with Lockheed Martin and SaxaVord Spaceport toward the UK Pathfinder mission. • Additional sites: Company planning has also referenced Vandenberg and Kennedy Space Center options as needed. Missions and Milestones • January 10, 2023 — RS1 Flight 1 (Kodiak): Vehicle experienced an anomaly shortly after liftoff and was lost; no injuries were reported. • July 2024 — Pre‑flight static‑fire campaign (Kodiak): A residual pad fire after a first‑stage static fire caused irrecoverable damage to the Flight‑2 vehicle. • Late 2024 — Strategic update: ABL stated it would pivot near‑term efforts away from commercial launch toward defense and missile‑defense applications, leveraging its deployable launch systems and propulsion technology. Customers and Programs (selected) • U.S. Government: NASA on‑ramp under the VADR launch services contract for venture‑class missions; Air Force Research Laboratory collaborations to demonstrate rapid launch‑site activation and deployable infrastructure. • Commercial and International: Agreements with commercial constellation and mission‑broker customers; partnership with Lockheed Martin for the UK Pathfinder program. Facilities and Footprint ABL maintains an El Segundo headquarters and production campus with additional operations at the Port of Long Beach. The company operates engine and stage test stands at Mojave and integrates RS1/GS0 for campaigns at U.S. and international ranges.