ABL to Provide Launch Services for NASA’s Cryogenic Demonstration Mission

ABL Space Systems announced it has been awarded a contract to serve as the space launch provider for NASA’s Cryogenic Demonstration Mission.

Scheduled for launch in 2023, the mission is aimed at demonstrating in-space transfer of cryogenic liquid hydrogen, the best-performing propellant for lunar and deep space exploration, ABL said Thursday.

Dan Piemont, president of ABL, said the science mission will allow the company to contribute to NASA’s long-term effort to advance human exploration of the solar system.

“This cryo demo is a great example of the unique science missions enabled by low-cost, dedicated launch, and we’re happy that RS1 was chosen,” Piemont added.

NASA said that long-term cryogenic fluid management is critical for establishing a sustainable presence on the Moon and enabling crewed missions to Mars.

ABL added that the mission will feature many new cryogenic propellant management technologies that will help bring forth a sustainable Artemis program.

The company said NASA will have access to its GS0, a deployable launch system specifically designed to rapidly activate new launch sites and support specialized mission requirements.

In the case of the Cryogenic Demonstration Mission, ABL will take advantage of the GS0’s flexibility to meet the specifications required by NASA’s liquid hydrogen operations.

ABL said it will also advance the RS1 small satellite launch vehicle with hydrogen-compatible fairing and payload support systems.

Headquartered in El Segundo, California, ABL is a developer of low-cost launch vehicles and launch systems for the small satellite industry.