ABL Space Systems has been quiet since the company conducted its first launch attempt in January, which resulted in the rocket crashing back down to Earth a little over 10 seconds after liftoff. Now we know why: They have been very, very, very busy.

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).

ABL has been selected by AFWERX for the Strategic Funding Increase (STRATFI) program. The $60 million program will expand ABL’s existing work on operational flexibility for low-cost launches 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…