ABL Space tapped to launch the first orbital rocket from Britain

Enlarge / Hot fire test of integrated second stage for ABL Space System's RS1 rocket in the fall of 2020. (credit: ABL Space Systems)

Lockheed Martin says it has selected United States-based ABL Space Systems to launch the first orbital rocket from the United Kingdom-a mission that is expected to take place from Scotland in 2022.

The launch is part of an agreement between the United Kingdom government and Lockheed to foster a commercial small satellite launch industry in the country. No rockets have ever launched into orbit from UK soil, but now the government is seeking to become both a launch center of Europe and a small satellite manufacturer.

In choosing ABL Space, Lockheed has chosen a company that has not yet launched a rocket, although its RS1 vehicle is expected to make its debut during the second quarter of this year. Lockheed is an investor in the El Segundo, California-based ABL Space and believes it is on track to succeed.

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