ABL Space Systems
Big plans for mini-launchers
Industry’s attention is shifting to a larger class of rockets, sometimes called ”mini-launchers” capable of placing about a metric ton into orbit.
ABL static fires rocket for first orbital launch attempt
ABL Space Systems successfully test-fired the rocket it plans to launch on the company’s first flight in the next several weeks.
Lockheed and ABL’s first UK vertical launch slips into 2023
Lockheed Martin no longer expects its UK Pathfinder mission will fly this year, although it remains in the running to perform the first-ever vertical launch to orbit from British soil.
ABL Space Systems completes acceptance testing of RS1 upper stage
ABL Space Systems has completed testing of the second stage of its small launch vehicle, four months after a previous version of the stage was destroyed in a test accident.
Orbex unveils prototype of rocket preparing for UK’s first vertical launch
British microlauncher startup Orbex unveiled a full-scale prototype May 11 of what it hopes will be the first-ever vertical rocket launched to orbit from British soil.
Lockheed Martin to launch new satellite bus aimed at mid-size market
Lockheed Martin plans to launch to orbit later this year a new satellite bus the company designed for both the commercial and government markets.
ABL Space Systems test accident to delay first launch by three months
ABL Space Systems says a test incident that destroyed the upper stage of its RS1 rocket last week will delay that vehicle’s first flight by three months as it identifies and corrects the failure’s root cause.
NASA selects a dozen companies for smallsat launch services
NASA awarded contracts Jan. 26 to a dozen companies, ranging from industry stalwarts to startups yet to launch their first rocket, to provide low-cost launches of agency smallsats.
ABL Space Systems rocket stage destroyed in test accident
ABL Space Systems said the second stage of the small launch vehicle they are developing was destroyed in an accident during testing Jan. 19.
ABL Space Systems to launch Project Kuiper’s first satellites in 2022
Amazon has signed a multi-launch deal with rocket developer ABL Space Systems, which plans to loft two prototype satellites for its Project Kuiper broadband megaconstellation next year.
ABL Space Systems raises $200 million
Small launch vehicle developer ABL Space Systems has raised an additional $200 million, just seven months after a $170 million round.
ABL Space Systems to launch NASA technology demonstration mission
Small launch vehicle developer ABL Space Systems has won a contract to launch a NASA technology demonstration spacecraft in 2023.
Defense Innovation Unit selects ABL Space to launch DoD mission
Small launch startup ABL Space Systems announced May 17 it was selected by the U.S. Defense Innovation Unit to launch a military payload.
Lockheed Martin makes block buy of launches from ABL Space Systems
Lockheed Martin has signed a contract with small launch vehicle developer ABL Space Systems for as many as 58 launches over the next decade, a deal potentially worth several hundred million dollars.
ABL Space Systems raises $170 million
Small launch vehicle developer ABL Space Systems announced March 25 it raised $170 million in funding to help it build up infrastructure and launch sites ahead of its first launch.
ABL Space Systems signs customer for first launch
Small launch vehicle developer ABL Space Systems will launch two satellites for L2 Aerospace on the first flight of its RS1 rocket this spring, the companies announced Feb. 16.
Lockheed Martin selects ABL Space Systems for UK launch
ABL Space Systems will conduct a launch for Lockheed Martin from a new spaceport in the Shetland Islands, fulfilling an agreement with the British government announced in 2018.
ABL Space Systems tests launch vehicle stage
Small launch vehicle developer ABL Space Systems announced Oct. 22 that it has started a series of static-fire tests of the upper stage of its vehicle, putting the company on track for a first launch in 2021.
Small launch startup ABL secures over $90 million in new funding and Air Force contracts
ABL says the funding will accelerate the development of its two-stage launch vehicle and mobile infrastructure.
Lockheed Martin invests in small launch vehicle startup ABL Space Systems
The venture arm of Lockheed Martin has invested in small launch startup ABL Space Systems, the second such company the aerospace giant has taken a stake in.
