Lockheed confirms UK's small satellites launch capability
UK ambitions to be Europe’s first launch site for small satellites have moved forward with confirmation of ABL Space Systems’ vehicle for launches.
Lockheed Martin has contracted ABL Space Systems, of El Segundo, California, to supply a rocket and associated launch services for the company’s first UK vertical satellite launch.
Lockheed Martin to move UK satellite launch program to Shetland
The UK Pathfinder Launch project plans the first vertical small satellite launch from Scotland in 2022. It will also be the first UK commercial launch for ABL Space Systems’ new RS1 rocket.
Nik Smith, Regional Director, Lockheed Martin Space, said: “The world-class capability that ABL Space Systems brings will allow us to build on our long-standing partnership with the UK and strengthen the growth of the UK’s space sector, aligned to the UK Government’s prosperity and industrial strategy.”
"Our team was founded to deliver new launch capabilities, on-demand,” added Harry O'Hanley, co-Founder and CEO of ABL Space Systems. “We're thrilled at the opportunity to bring our system to Shetland’s launch site and execute this ground-breaking mission with our partners.”
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