ABL Systems RS-1

The RS1 is a planned small low-cost launch vehicle by ABL Space Systems.

ABL Space Systems focuses on a “Dirt Simple” design to keep the launch costs low. It requires no fixed launch infrastructure and is planned to be able to be launched from any site with an one-week call-up time. The maiden launch is planned to occur at Vandenberg. Other launch sites offered in the USA are Camden, Cape Canaveral, Kodiak, Vandenberg and Wallops Island. In the UK, Shetland Space Centre on the Island of Unst is to be used.

ABL uses propulsion technology from Ursa Major Technologies. The first stage is powered by nine E2 engines, fueled by liquid oxygen (LOX) and Kerosene (RP-1 or alternatively Jet-A). Stage 2 is powered by a single restartable E2 Vacuum engine. RS1 will have a payload of 1350 kg to low earth orbit.

Lockheed Martin is a strategic investor for ABL’s RS1 project.

For operations from the Shetland launch site, the Lockeheed Martin consortium is planning to use a Moog built small upper stage called SL-OMV (Small Launch Orbital Manoeuvring Vehicle) to deploy up to six 6U-Cubesats in different orbits.

The maiden launch was planned for 2021 from Vandenberg’s LC-576E, but has moved to Kodiak’s LP-3C.