The first two prototype satellites, KuiperSat-1 and KuiperSat- 2, will launch separately on rockets from ABL Space Systems, one of a handful of start-ups building smaller launch vehicles to sate demand from satellite companies.

El Segundo-based aerospace company ABL Space Systems Inc. inked a deal with the Port of Long Beach to  build a spacecraft processing facility on premises.

Smallsat launcher in development ABL Space Systems has closed a $200 million expansion of its Series B investment round raising the company’s valuation from $1.3 billion to $2.4 billion.

California-based ABL Space Systems has been named as the launch provider for NASA’s cryogenic demonstration mission which will demonstrate in-space transfer of cryogenic liquid hydrogen.