ABL Space announces first RS1 launch customer

ABL Space Systems Co. has obtained a services agreement to launch two L2 Aerospace spacecraft on the RS1 rocket’s first demonstration flight in Q2 2021. "We're excited to announce L2 as a customer for the first launch of RS1," said ABL President and co-founder Dan Piemont. "L2 and ABL are like-minded companies focused on addressing the needs of the U.S. national security space community. By demonstrating an end-to-end responsive launch service from day one, we hope to advance the space architecture to make it more nimble and capable for the U.S. and our Allies."

ABL is preparing for an initial flight of its RS1 launch vehicle, capable of lofting 1,350kg to low earth orbit, in the first half of 2021.

"L2 Solutions is proud to partner with ABL Space on their inaugural launch of the RS1. The RS1 launch system offers robust and resilient capabilities, which complements L2's fully integrated and end-to-end mission assurance services," said L2 CEO Jim Royston. "This is a significant milestone, as the RS1 will send two of L2 Solutions' internally developed communications payloads into orbit, demonstrating a unique communications and network architecture, test cyber security applications, and validate the first instantiation of L2's commercial Orbital Test Range."

The integration and deployment of these spacecraft will demonstrate new technology on orbit and on the ground. L2's satellites will provide infrastructure to rapidly test new technology and support new concepts for training scenarios. On the ground, ABL's GS0 mobile launch system, a fully containerized, deployable system will demonstrate the rapid capabilities and minimal infrastructure needed to launch RS1.

El Segundo, California-based ABL Space Systems was founded in 2017 to develop low-cost launch vehicles and launch systems for the small satellite industry.

L2 Aerospace, Melbourne, Florida, provides the ability to build, launch, deploy, and operate satellites, offering internally developed payloads for communications and earth observation. Their services team delivers tailored capabilities, providing insight and knowledge for any mission set.