ABL Space Systems joined the Unicorn Club on October 25, 2021, after raising a $200 million Series B expansion funding round, valuing the company at approximately $2.4 billion. Headquartered in El Segundo, California, United States, ABL Space Systems develops containerised launch systems and small‑satellite launch vehicles optimised for rapid deployment and cost‑effective access to space. The company has raised around $420 million to date and employed approximately 278 people (as of December 31, 2022).
Keep reading to learn how ABL Space Systems is scaling agile launch capabilities for the new space economy and enhancing global access to orbit.
What Is ABL Space Systems and What Does It Do?
Founded in 2017, ABL Space Systems develops the RS1 launch vehicle and the GS0 ground system, a container-based, mobile launch architecture that enables flexible launch deployments from various sites. The company manufactures high‑performance rocket engines and builds the integrated launch stack with an emphasis on rapid assembly and responsiveness. ABL serves commercial, defence, and intelligence customers seeking reliable, small‑satellite launch options with minimal infrastructure build‑out.
How Much Funding Has ABL Space Systems Raised?
- Series B (Expansion)
- Amount Raised: $200M
- Date: October 25, 2021
- Lead Investor(s): T. Rowe Price (and other existing investors)
- Valuation: ~$2.4B
- Purpose: Scale production of RS1, expand launch site infrastructure, accelerate service deployment.
- Earlier Funding Rounds
- Cumulative Funding: ~$220M (Series B first tranche $170M in March 2021, Series A and earlier)
- Key Investors: T. Rowe Price, Fidelity Investments, Lockheed Martin Ventures
- Purpose: Build manufacturing capability, engine development, and early commercial launch contracts.
Total Funding Raised: ~$420M
Latest Funding Date: October 25, 2021
Latest Valuation: ~$2.4B
Employee Count: ~278 (as of December 31, 2022)
Key Investors
- T. Rowe Price
- Details: Global investment management firm participating in growth‑stage technology rounds.
- Focus Areas: Aerospace & defence, high‑growth tech platforms.
- Fidelity Investments
- Details: Large institutional investor providing funding for private space and launch companies.
- Focus Areas: Growth technology, space infrastructure, launch services.
- Lockheed Martin Ventures
- Details: Corporate venture arm of Lockheed Martin investing in space launch, propulsion and defence ecosystems.
- Focus Areas: Strategic aerospace, satellite launch chains, responsive launch.
Where Is ABL Space Systems’ Headquarters?
ABL Space Systems is headquartered in El Segundo, California, United States, where it develops its launch vehicle architecture, engine systems and integrated ground‑launch solutions. The location supports manufacturing, test‑stands and site mobilisation for containerised launches.
What’s Next for ABL Space Systems?
ABL Space Systems plans to ramp up its RS1 launch cadence, deploy the GS0 ground system in global locations, secure further contracts in commercial and government sectors, and enhance the cost‑efficiency of small‑satellite launches. The company is likely to expand its manufacturing capacity, invest in engine development, and broaden its launch-service offering to meet the growing demands of satellite constellations.
Get Investor & Funding Insights with TexAu
TexAu provides verified investor and funding data for companies like ABL Space Systems. Explore insights on space‑tech infrastructure, launch‑vehicle companies and aerospace platforms.
Sign up for Free on TexAu to access real‑time investor and funding intelligence.
