ABL has been selected by Space Systems Command’s Assured Access to Space office for a tactically responsive launch demonstration. The $15 million contract, part of our existing STRATFI contract, complements ABL’s ongoing work for low cost, flexible launch supporting Tactically Responsive Space (TacRS).

PRE-LAUNCH OPERATIONS

Operations began around 5am local time while tracking a 30% weather POV due to a low deck of clouds creating triggered lightning risk. We delayed our T0 slightly to wait for a gap in the weather. During propellant fill, a bulk carrier vessel…

F1A1 – Monday November 14^th

In our first attempt, we had a flawless day of operations up until 75% propellant fill at T-30 minutes. At that time, a vendor valve in our Stage 1 fuel pressurization system failed open. This led to a gradual, and then more rapid leak of helium into our fuel tank. We scrubbed the launch and safed the vehicle for the day.

We have worked with the vendor to characterize this problem, made replacements, and retired this issue.