RS1 rocket's maiden launch ended in crash and fire on the launch pad

After Virgin Orbit, which failed to launch the LauncerOne rocket, ABL Space Systems had an unsuccessful launch. Its rocket launcher, called RS1, also crashed.

Here's What We Know

RS1 is a lightweight rocket designed to deliver small cargo into orbit at a relatively low cost. The launch took place on Jan. 11 at 01:27 a.m. (EET). The rocket was launched from Kodiak Island, Alaska.

The first stage RS1 has nine E2 engines. Some time after launch they all stopped working at once. The rocket did not even have time to leave the launch pad, so it landed where it took off.

The ABL Space Systems Twitter page has no footage of the 27-meter rocket crash. The company limited itself to just a "text broadcast" of the launch. What is known is that the crash resulted in a fire that damaged the launch pad and equipment. Both satellites were also lost.

In fact, Rocket Lab is still the only company that can steadily launch satellites into space, if we are talking about light rocket operators. It costs $7.5 million to launch a 300-kg payload into low-Earth orbit. ABL Space Systems' launch costs $12.5 million. Competition could intensify with the emergence of Firefly Aerospace and Astra.

Source: ABL Space Systems, space