The first stage of ABL Space System’s RS1 rocket being readied at the company’s factory. That rocket will perform its first launch in the spring, carrying two satellites for L2 Aerospace.

Lockheed Martin has contracted ABL Space Systems, of El Segundo, California, a developer of low-cost launch vehicles and launch systems for the small satellite industry, to supply a rocket and associated launch services for the company’s first UK vertical satellite launch.

ABL Space Systems conducted an integrated stage test of the upper stage of its RS1 small launch vehicle at Edwards Air Force Base, California.

ABL says the funding will accelerate the development of its two-stage launch vehicle and mobile infrastructure.