ABL Space Systems RS1 Rocket Damaged Beyond Repair Following Static Fire Test

ABL Space Systems has confirmed a significant setback for its RS1 rocket program; the rocket, intended for the company's first launch in 18 months, suffered "irrecoverable" damage in a fire following a static fire test.

After a pre-flight static fire test on Friday, a residual pad fire caused irrecoverable damage to RS1. The team is investigating root cause and will provide updates as the investigation progresses.” - ABL Space Systems

The RS1 rocket was being readied for launch from Kodiak Island, Alaska. The last public communication from ABL before this incident was a blog post in May about engine testing. Earlier, in March, the company had indicated it had begun “pre-launch operations” for the mission.

This launch was to follow the inaugural RS1 launch in January 2023, which ended in failure when all nine first-stage engines shut down 10 seconds after liftoff. The vehicle crashed back near the pad and exploded, causing damage to equipment and facilities at the Kodiak pad.

ABL announced in October that it was gearing up for a second launch but had released minimal information on the progress since then.

Despite these challenges, ABL has secured business for the RS1, a rocket capable of placing approximately one metric ton into low Earth orbit. In March 2023, the company received a $60 million strategic funding increase, or STRATFI, from the U.S. Space Force and Air Force to demonstrate tactically responsive capabilities. This award comprises $30 million in government funding and $30 million in matching private investment.

Further bolstering its prospects, in June, Scout Space chose ABL Space Systems to launch a telescope for space domain awareness observations on the vehicle’s third mission, initially slated for later this year. Scout Space opted for ABL over SpaceX's Transporter missions, which are fully booked for the next year, citing a faster path to launch with ABL.

ABL also counts Lockheed Martin as both an investor and major customer. In 2021, Lockheed committed to a block buy of up to 58 RS1 launches. Additionally, Lockheed plans to utilize the RS1 for its “U.K. Pathfinder” mission under a 2018 contract with the U.K. Space Agency. This launch, from SaxaVord Spaceport in the Shetland Islands, is anticipated to occur later in 2025, as confirmed by U.K. government officials.

ABL Space Systems now faces a thorough investigation into the recent fire as it strives to resume its launch schedule and fulfill its commitments to commercial and governmental partners.