ABL Space to Attempt Another RS1 Launch on Thursday

ABL Space Systems has delayed the maiden launch of its RS1 rocket another two days after scrubbing an attempt on Monday.

“Yesterday’s scrub was due to a leaking valve in the pressurization system. The valve has been removed and replaced,” the company tweeted. “Due to high winds today and tomorrow, we are targeting our next launch attempt on Thursday 11/17 with a window opening at 1pm AKST (10pm UTC).”

ABL Space has daily launch windows that last from 1:00 – 4:00 AKST (5:00 – 8:00 p.m. EST/22:00 – 01:00 UTC) through Monday, Nov. 21. The company will not webcast the launch.

RS1 is a two-stage booster with a maximum capacity of 1,350 kg to low Earth orbit. The rocket is designed to be transported in shipping containers and launched rapidly with minimal set up. ABL plans to charge $12 million per launch.

Payloads on the first flight are the VariSat-1 and VariSat-1B 6U CubeSats, which will test a HF marine data communications system. The spacecraft are equipped with inter-satellite links.