ABL Space Systems

Amidst the bustling aerospace scene of El Segundo, California, stands ABL Space Systems. It’s a relatively young company, founded in 2017 by Harry O’Hanley and Dan Piemont. These former SpaceX and Morgan Stanley employees had a vision: to create deployable launch vehicles and infrastructure. Initially, their focus was on sending commercial small satellites into orbit and even missile defense. ABL Space Systems proudly manufactures its components within the United States. Their flagship products are the RS1, a two-stage expendable launch vehicle, and the GS0, a deployable launch pad. The RS1 is designed to be highly transportable and low-cost, offering a maximum capacity of 1,350 kg to low Earth orbit. The GS0 launch system can activate an orbital launch from any flat surface worldwide. This combination makes ABL Space Systems a unique player in the field, bringing launch capabilities to any location. ABL Space Systems has had its share of ups and downs. In 2018, they signed a lease with Spaceport Camden in Georgia. Then in 2019, they partnered with Spaceport America in New Mexico for testing operations, although this location is no longer mentioned by the company. In 2021, ABL took over facilities at the Port of Long Beach, previously used by Sea Launch. By 2024, ABL had raised over $500 million in venture funding and launch contracts. However, a series of launch failures led to a significant shift in strategy. In late 2024, ABL announced its exit from the commercial space launch market. They shifted focus towards military applications, leveraging their existing technology for missile defense. This led to the closure of their El Segundo office and Mojave test site. All operations consolidated at the Long Beach facility. ABL Space Systems represents the dynamic nature of the aerospace industry. They demonstrate how adaptation and innovation are vital for survival in a competitive market.