Lockheed selects firm to aid UK Pathfinder Launch project

Lockheed Martin officials said the aerospace company has contracted with ABL Space Systems to supply a rocket and associated launch services for Lockheed Martin’s first UK vertical satellite launch.

The UK Pathfinder Launch is slated to be the first vertical small satellite launch from UK soil in Scotland in 2022. Additionally, it will be the first UK commercial launch for U.S.-based ABL Space Systems’ new RS1 rocket. The firm is based in El Segundo, Calif.

“We are absolutely committed to the success of this program, and 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 space sector, aligned to the UK Government’s prosperity and industrial strategy,” Nik Smith, regional director, Lockheed Martin Space, said. “ABL Space Systems’ flexible, integrated GSO launch system, and RS1 rocket, allows for a rapid and cost-effective deployment with outstanding launch performance.”

In October, the UK Space Agency confirmed Lockheed Martin’s plans to move its program to the Shetland Space Centre. In January, planning proposals were submitted for the space launch facility.

“We want the UK to be the first in Europe to launch small satellites into orbit, attracting innovative businesses from all over the world, accelerating the development of new technologies and creating hundreds of high-skilled jobs across the whole of the UK,” Ian Annett, deputy CEO, UK Space Agency, said.
“Lockheed Martin’s selection of ABL Space Systems for their UK Pathfinder launch brings us one step closer to realising this ambition – putting the UK firmly on the map as Europe’s leading small satellite launch destination.”