RS1 start-up ABL Space Systems will use an undisclosed strategic investment from Lockheed Martin's venture arm to fund development and testing of its California small launch vehicle. ABL said the California could carry 1.2 t into low Earth orbit at a per-launch cost of $12m, with the maiden trip scheduled for 2020. The company said the California could be used in the deployment of broadband mega constellations, while Lockheed said it had on-demand and flexible launch applications.
California start-up ABL Space Systems will use an undisclosed strategic investment from Lockheed Martin's venture arm to fund development and testing of its RS1 small launch vehicle. ABL said the RS1 could carry 1.2 t into low Earth orbit at a per-launch cost of $12m, with the maiden trip scheduled for 2020. The company said the RS1 could be used in the deployment of broadband mega constellations, while Lockheed said it had on-demand and flexible launch applications.