Launch startup ABL Space Systems has been awarded a $60 million contract to build a ‘rapid launch’ operational capability as part of the US Space Force and US Air Force’s Strategic Funding Enhancement (STRATFI) program . The new funding, which is equally matched by government funding and private investment, comes as the company prepares for her second launch attempt of her RS1 rocket.
In a statement, ABL said a key challenge for responsive space launches is “moving away from pre-defined trajectory, trajectory, and launch site assumptions.” For such missions, the company said it would build new operational capabilities for short-duration launches.
Eva Abramson, Head of Strategy and Development at ABL, said in a statement: “This award will help us further develop our on-call launch capabilities to meet mission-driven payload, launch site and target trajectory needs.”
The U.S. Space Force has made strides in recent years to expand its Tactical Response Space (TacRS) capabilities in collaboration with private industry, particularly rocket startups. Last October, the Space Force awarded Firefly Space his $17.6 million TacRS mission contract to launch this year. Under the terms of the agreement, the Space Force will notify Firefly just 24 hours before launch.
The new funding could benefit ABL as it prepares for the second launch of its RS1 small rocket from the Pacific Spaceport Complex on Kodiak Island, Alaska. The company attempted his first launch in January, but the rocket was destroyed when all nine of his engines in the first stage failed simultaneously. The vehicle collided with the launch pad, but no personnel were injured.
ABL has yet to announce a date for its next launch, but it’s already eyeing an expansion.
