ABL Space Systems' RS1 rocket aiming to launch today (Nov. 21)

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By Elizabeth Howell
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ABL Space Systems' RS1 rocket is possibly targeting a launch Monday (Nov. 21) following an abort last week during engine ignition. The rocket was otherwise healthy.

ABL Space System's RS1 rocket at the Pacific Spaceport Complex in Alaska on Nov. 17, 2022. The rocket was soon raised to vertical for a launch attempt, which was aborted during engine ignition.
ABL Space System's RS1 rocket at the Pacific Spaceport Complex in Alaska on Nov. 17, 2022. The rocket was soon raised to vertical for a launch attempt, which was aborted during engine ignition. (Image credit: ABL Space Systems via Twitter)

ABL Space Systems might be getting ready for a fresh launch attempt of its new rocket Monday (Nov. 21) following an abort.

ABL attempted to launch its first-ever orbital mission on Thursday from Alaska's Pacific Spaceport Complex Thursday (Nov. 17), but the first-stage engines shut down moments after lighting up. 

At the time, company representatives said they were considering Monday at 5 p.m. EST (2200 GMT) as the next opportunity, but there have been no updates since. The current launch window runs from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. EST daily (2200 to 0100 GMT). ABL isn't webcasting the mission but is providing updates via Twitter.

Related: A history of rockets

"RS1 aborted terminal count during ignition. The vehicle is healthy, and the team is setting up to offload propellant for today. More information to come on our next opportunity," company representatives said via Twitter on Thursday afternoon following an aborted launch attempt.

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The test flight for RS1 is scheduled to loft two shoebox-sized cubesats called VariSat-1A and VariSat-1B, which are slated to test marine data communications operations for VariSat LLC.

California-based ABL was founded in 2017 and can deliver up to 2,975 pounds (1,350 kilograms) to low Earth orbit on each $12 million mission. The rocket and ground system are designed to be easy to deploy from launch sites around the world.

Elizabeth Howell is the co-author of "Why Am I Taller?" (ECW Press, 2022; with Canadian astronaut Dave Williams), a book about space medicine. Follow her on Twitter @howellspace. Follow us on Twitter @Spacedotcom or Facebook.

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Elizabeth Howell
Elizabeth Howell
Staff Writer, Spaceflight

Elizabeth Howell (she/her), Ph.D., is a staff writer in the spaceflight channel since 2022 covering diversity, education and gaming as well. She was contributing writer for Space.com for 10 years before joining full-time. Elizabeth's reporting includes multiple exclusives with the White House and Office of the Vice-President of the United States, an exclusive conversation with aspiring space tourist (and NSYNC bassist) Lance Bass, speaking several times with the International Space Station, witnessing five human spaceflight launches on two continents, flying parabolic, working inside a spacesuit, and participating in a simulated Mars mission. Her latest book, "Why Am I Taller?", is co-written with astronaut Dave Williams. Elizabeth holds a Ph.D. and M.Sc. in Space Studies from the University of North Dakota, a Bachelor of Journalism from Canada's Carleton University and a Bachelor of History from Canada's Athabasca University. Elizabeth is also a post-secondary instructor in communications and science at several institutions since 2015; her experience includes developing and teaching an astronomy course at Canada's Algonquin College (with Indigenous content as well) to more than 1,000 students since 2020. Elizabeth first got interested in space after watching the movie Apollo 13 in 1996, and still wants to be an astronaut someday. Mastodon: https://qoto.org/@howellspace