Quote from: vaporcobra on 03/31/2022 08:06 amQuote from: PM3 on 03/31/2022 07:52 amLaunch always is in 3-6 month, since fall 2020. ABL time is worse than Elon time.Every new rocket development is more or less the same in that regard.I am not aware of a single other company that is always launching next quarter. That's unique to ABL.
Quote from: PM3 on 03/31/2022 07:52 amLaunch always is in 3-6 month, since fall 2020. ABL time is worse than Elon time.Every new rocket development is more or less the same in that regard.
Launch always is in 3-6 month, since fall 2020. ABL time is worse than Elon time.
Interesting https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/space/afrl-responsive-space-x-vehicle-flight-tests-track-2023
A U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory project targeting rapid launch capability using modular engine architectures based on never-before-flown aerospike rocket designs is due to flight-test two X-vehicles in 2023. The two demonstrators, one built by California-based ABL Space Systems and the other by...
AFRL, ABL Space Systems, and Invocon, Inc. are paving the way by demonstrating the first aerospike nozzle and highly modular large liquid rocket engine in a representative orbital launch trajectory. Thrust vector control for the aerospike will be demonstrated and large amounts of data on the modular engine and the aerospike will be gathered through the entire trajectory. The Air Force is interested in reducing the risk and cost associated with developing this technology so that it may be used in the next generation of space launch systems.[...]For the ARISE program, ABL is leveraging RS1’s modularity to develop a single-stage aerospike variant, RS1A. The vehicles share similar stage systems and propulsion components, such as turbopumps, thrusters and injectors.
...Thrust vector control for the aerospike will be demonstrated...
Quote...Thrust vector control for the aerospike will be demonstrated...Curious to see how they'll be doing that.
Found the AFRL's ARISE page: https://afresearchlab.com/technology/arise-and-fly/ Focus seems to be on the modular engine concept, with the aerospike a secondary concern. Quote from: JEF_300 on 04/25/2022 05:59 pmQuote...Thrust vector control for the aerospike will be demonstrated...Curious to see how they'll be doing that.Differential thrust, I'd expect. The ARISE concept seems to revolve around clustering multiple powerheads into a single engine, so that gives an avenue for thrust vectoring with less finely controlled throttling (and no exhaust valving) than a single powerhead engine.
Quote from: edzieba on 04/25/2022 06:43 pmFound the AFRL's ARISE page: https://afresearchlab.com/technology/arise-and-fly/ Focus seems to be on the modular engine concept, with the aerospike a secondary concern. Quote from: JEF_300 on 04/25/2022 05:59 pmQuote...Thrust vector control for the aerospike will be demonstrated...Curious to see how they'll be doing that.Differential thrust, I'd expect. The ARISE concept seems to revolve around clustering multiple powerheads into a single engine, so that gives an avenue for thrust vectoring with less finely controlled throttling (and no exhaust valving) than a single powerhead engine.I generally would assume differential thrust myself, but that quote specifically says 'thrust vector control', which would suggest moving the whole engine or deflecting the exhaust somehow.
The Air Force Research Laboratory, or AFRL, and ABL Space Systems are collaborating to demonstrate how launch systems can be operated rapidly by small teams from nontraditional sites. Leveraging ABL’s deployable ground system, GS0, and small launch vehicle, RS1, a series of ground demonstrations is underway at multiple U.S. military installations aimed at quickly training participants to activate GS0 and simulate the run-up to an orbital launch.ABL and AFRL partnered with operators from the 2nd Space Launch Squadron and 412th Test Wing to conduct the first demonstration activity. The complete test campaign, from training to full operations with cryogenic rocket propellants, was accomplished in a few days. In doing so, ABL and partners successfully determined the minimum resources to activate GS0 and validated the strong training base and capability of U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force active-duty personnel for conducting liquid rocket concept of operations and fielding of novel deployable systems.“The ability to control, exploit and access the space domain is vital for our nation,” said Dr. Shawn Phillips, chief of AFRL’s Rocket Propulsion Division. “Space launch must be dynamic, responsive and provide the ability to rapidly augment or reconstitute capability gaps. ABL’s RS1 and GS0 systems provide a uniquely flexible capability to provide warfighters the ability to accomplish these objectives by conducting orbital launch operations at any time, at any location desired.”While traditional launch operations are planned months or years in advance, ABL is working to demonstrate systems that can ready a new orbital launch site from any flat concrete pad in under 24 hours with a small team of personnel. While the launch status quo requires significant investments in fixed infrastructure, ABL’s systems, which are packaged into standard shipping containers, require no lifting equipment to operate. AFRL is testing the self-sufficiency of these systems, conducting experiments and evaluating how quickly skilled operators can be trained to operate them.Through AFWERX, part of the AFRL, this demonstration campaign has brought together players from across the national security space enterprise including acquisition, science, technology, and operations. These diverse perspectives ensure capabilities under development can best support next-generation missions.“We optimize RS1 and GS0 for lean operations,” said Dan Piemont, ABL co-founder and president. “We’re exploring how this flexibility can provide unique value to the Department of Defense. “As space becomes more contested and competitive, new mission profiles will emerge, and we must be able to adapt to their needs on a relevant timeline without introducing prohibitive cost.”ABL and partners are gearing up for a second demonstration activity in the coming months, which seeks to expand operational realism by incorporating additional elements and operations. The second demo will include live deployment of GS0 mobile launch infrastructure as well as integration of RS1 launch vehicle operations. Systems will arrive at a simple site with a concrete pad at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California.Newly trained operators will activate the support systems, raise a vehicle stage using ABL’s deployable launch mount; complete propellant loading; perform a countdown to launch; simulate scrubbing; and reestablish a safe pad state. These activities are critical to demonstrating the feasibility of rapid launch operations; refining operational concepts; identifying technical challenges; and increasing the technology readiness level for a DOD responsive and resilient launch capability.
ABL Space Systems says it’s completed acceptance testing of the second stage of its RS1 rocket after an anomaly during a January test, and shipped the stage to Alaska for launch. Video
ABL RS1 Stage 2 Deployment
Quote from: FutureSpaceTourist on 05/16/2022 03:30 pmQuoteABL Space Systems says it’s completed acceptance testing of the second stage of its RS1 rocket after an anomaly during a January test, and shipped the stage to Alaska for launch. VideoFrom Harry O'Hanley: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/harry-o-hanley-27087382_last-week-we-completed-stage-2-acceptance-activity-6931981903109533696-T9Ud?utm_source=linkedin_share&utm_medium=member_desktop_web"Last week we completed Stage 2 acceptance testing, a big step towards Flight 1. It was also marked the end of our recovery effort following the loss of the original Stage 2 during a testing anomaly in January. Thank you to everyone who participated in the investigation and response plan. Building Stage 2 SN02 was a great opportunity to demonstrate our build and test rates. We manufactured the stage from raw material in a few weeks and put it through a robust structural proof campaign. We ran an extensive engine test series, vetting numerous upgrades before completing the E2Vac ATP. We finally executed a careful four-week test campaign to round out the Stage ATP. These efforts were successful and Stage 2 is now ready for flight. It’s been loaded into a container and is en route to Kodiak, where it’ll meet Stage 1. Great job to the whole ABL team. The anomaly was our toughest challenge yet, but we came out stronger and more capable than before. On to Stage 1 operations!"
QuoteABL Space Systems says it’s completed acceptance testing of the second stage of its RS1 rocket after an anomaly during a January test, and shipped the stage to Alaska for launch. Video
Quote from: TrevorMonty on 10/22/2020 06:04 pmAll metal construction, including fairing. They are cheaper than Firefly and will only launch a few months after Alpha. Going be interesting competition in this class, with Relativity being 3rd entrance in year or two. Relativity may struggle if these competitors are well established, especially as ABL pricing is competitive with Relativity.ABL's biggest disadvantage is fairing size: not only are they smaller than Relativity, they're also smaller than Firefly. So "fluffy" payloads may need to find another ride. That said, given the competition in this area, it would make sense to design your payloads to fit all three, or at least both ABL and Relativity if you can't match Firefly's mass constraints. (Exceptions exist, like the Lockheed Martin contract with Relativity that requires a custom fairing, but I'd imagine such launches are rare.)
All metal construction, including fairing. They are cheaper than Firefly and will only launch a few months after Alpha. Going be interesting competition in this class, with Relativity being 3rd entrance in year or two. Relativity may struggle if these competitors are well established, especially as ABL pricing is competitive with Relativity.
