ABL Space Systems started out as a bold rocket company with its eyes on small satellite launches. Founded by former SpaceX engineers in 2017, the company jumped into a crowded market.
Later, in 2025, ABL rebranded as Long Wall. That shift moved them away from commercial launches and toward defense and missile systems, mostly because of technical issues and a tough market.
A group of former SpaceX engineers launched ABL Space Systems in 2017. They wanted to tap into the booming small satellite market.
The team brought deep experience from SpaceX’s rocket programs. Dan Piemont took the helm as CEO and led the company through its many changes.
Investors poured significant venture capital into ABL under his leadership. Defense contracts started rolling in as well.
ABL set up shop in El Segundo, California—a 30,000-square-foot space for R&D. They didn’t stop there, adding test sites in Mojave and expanding manufacturing to several spots.
The original goal? Build cost-effective launch options for small satellites. The team hoped to stand out from giants like SpaceX and Rocket Lab by offering flexible, containerized launch systems.
ABL went all-in on the RS1 rocket, a 26.8-meter-tall vehicle that could carry up to 1,350 kg to low Earth orbit. The rocket ran on nine E2 engines in the first stage and one on the second.
Their big innovation was a containerized launch system. This modular setup meant they could launch from almost anywhere—no need for permanent ground infrastructure.
ABL targeted government and commercial clients who needed affordable satellite launches. They pitched themselves as a quick, reliable alternative to the bigger players.
They used CNC machining and 3D printing for the RS1, hoping to cut costs and speed up production. This approach aimed to keep launch prep fast and efficient.
ABL raised over $544 million across several funding rounds. At its peak, the company hit a $2.4 billion valuation.
Lockheed Martin invested heavily and signed up for as many as 58 RS1 launches in 2021. Amazon’s Project Kuiper also inked a contract, which seemed like a huge validation for ABL’s business model.
But things didn’t go smoothly. The first RS1 launch in January 2023 (from Kodiak Launch Complex in Alaska) failed; the rocket lost power and crashed into the pad.
Then, in July 2024, a faulty pressure sensor during engine testing caused a shutdown and fire. That incident damaged equipment and set the program back even further.
By February 2025, ABL had completed its transition into Long Wall, shifting the focus to missile defense. They consolidated everything at their Long Beach facility and closed the El Segundo office and Mojave test site.
In early 2024, ABL Space Systems changed course completely. After two failed attempts at commercial satellite launches, they dropped that business.
Dan Piemont led the pivot to defense applications. The company rebranded as Long Wall to chase new opportunities in the military sector.
ABL faced serious headwinds in the small satellite launch market. Two failed orbital launches in 2023 and 2024 with the RS1 rocket hurt their chances against SpaceX and Rocket Lab.
Financial pressure kept mounting. The commercial launch sector got crowded, and ABL struggled to find enough funding to keep developing its containerized rocket system.
The team realized the business model just wasn’t working. The defense world, though, looked a lot more promising.
The Pentagon actively sought cheaper solutions for hypersonic flight testing and missile defense. With global tensions rising, military demand for advanced technologies spiked.
Dan Piemont saw a chance to repurpose ABL’s rocket tech for military use. The RS1 design worked well as a target vehicle for defense testing.
After the second launch failure in late 2023, ABL started rethinking its future. Internal talks focused on adapting their tech for defense instead of chasing more commercial launches.
On February 19, 2024, the company made it official. Dan Piemont posted a detailed blog explaining the new direction.
Leadership changed too. Co-founder Harry O’Hanley stepped down as CEO after seven years, and Dan Piemont took over to steer the company’s defense-focused strategy.
They rolled out the Long Wall name during this period. The name nods to the ancient defensive walls of Athens—fitting for a company now focused on missile defense.
Long Wall’s name calls back to defensive strength and strategy. Ancient Athens built those walls to keep enemies out, which lines up with the company’s new mission.
Long Wall now develops containerized missile defense systems and target rockets for U.S. military needs. They’ve adapted the RS1 rocket tech for use as target vehicles in live-fire and interceptor tests.
Dan Piemont has positioned Long Wall to serve the Pentagon’s hypersonic testing needs. Their deployable systems can mimic incoming threats for military training.
The containerized approach keeps the original portability intact. During the transition, the company moved from El Segundo to Long Beach, California.
This new location fits the defense contractor vibe. Long Wall continues to build everything in the U.S. to meet military standards.
ABL Space Systems gathered aerospace experts with backgrounds from big names like SpaceX. The leadership team blends technical know-how with business smarts.
Dan Piemont co-founded ABL and serves as president and CFO. He juggles several executive roles.
Before ABL, Piemont worked in engineering at AltSchool. That gave him a unique perspective before he jumped into aerospace.
As president and CFO, he oversees both the daily operations and the finances. This setup lets him keep a close eye on ABL’s direction and resources.
Being a co-founder means he really understands the company’s vision. Piemont collaborates with CEO Harry O’Hanley to execute their strategy.
His mix of technical and financial skills makes him essential to ABL’s growth. He’s involved in everything from planning to daily problem-solving.
Harry O’Hanley, another co-founder and CEO, managed Falcon 9 integration and test ops at SpaceX. That hands-on experience with rockets gave ABL a real edge.
He brought proven methods from SpaceX to ABL’s engineering. O’Hanley’s background in integration and testing has helped ABL build more reliable launch systems.
His time with Falcon 9 directly influenced RS1’s development. The SpaceX connection boosts ABL’s credibility and technical chops.
Ryan Kuhn leads engineering as vice president. He heads up technical teams and guides new initiatives.
Matthew Becker, senior director of hardware systems, previously managed propulsion components at Virgin Galactic. That adds more aerospace expertise to the mix.
The engineering leadership team includes folks from various aerospace companies. This diversity brings fresh ideas and best practices.
ABL employs around 346 people. The main office in El Segundo, California, handles design, manufacturing, and assembly.
The leadership team’s backgrounds cover commercial spaceflight, propulsion, and manufacturing. This broad experience helps ABL take an integrated approach to launches.
ABL Space Systems built itself on three main tech pillars. Their vertically integrated manufacturing, portable containerized launch systems, and specialized ground support gear formed the backbone of the RS1 rocket program.
ABL set up comprehensive in-house manufacturing at a 75,000-square-foot facility in El Segundo, California. They used advanced CNC machines and 3D printing to make rocket parts right here in the U.S.
By keeping everything in-house, ABL controlled quality at every step. They made engines, fuel tanks, avionics, and structures themselves.
This vertical setup cut down on supply chain headaches and costs. ABL could tweak designs and roll out improvements fast.
Rapid prototyping became a big part of their process. Engineers tested and iterated on new parts way faster than traditional aerospace manufacturers.
ABL built mobile launch systems packed into standard shipping containers. They could deploy these to different spots around the world.
This approach meant no need for permanent launch pads. ABL could move their system to remote places and get up and running in days.
The containers included mobile mission control and fuel storage. Teams worked out of these self-contained units, skipping the need for big ground facilities.
They aimed to launch from places like the Port of Long Beach and other coastal sites. The mobile system let them pick launch locations based on mission needs.
ABL designed ground support gear to match their mobile launch style. Their systems automated a lot of the pre-launch work that usually needs big crews.
They built automated fueling and rocket erection equipment. This gear sped up launch prep and reduced the number of people needed at remote sites.
ABL made sure their ground support systems and the RS1 rocket worked together from day one. This coordination made launches simpler and smoother.
The equipment included redundant safety features and could be operated remotely. Launch teams could monitor and control things from a safe distance.
The RS1 rocket was ABL Space Systems’ answer for small satellite deployment. They focused on simplicity and mobility.
This two-stage vehicle used standardized E2 engines on both stages. The whole thing fit inside shipping containers for quick deployment to launch sites around the world.
ABL Space Systems keeps the RS1 rocket design straightforward—what they like to call “intentionally boring.” They believe this approach cuts costs and boosts reliability when compared to more complicated launch systems.
Physical Configuration:
The team uses a metallic fairing system with acoustic protection. This fairing comes in two parts and splits along a seam lengthwise, relying on non-explosive devices to avoid jarring the payload.
ABL wanted RS1 to be completely mobile from the start. They built everything to fit inside containers so it can travel by air, land, or sea—wherever there’s a flat pad, their GS0 ground system can turn it into an orbital launch site.
The propellant system uses liquid oxygen (LOX) as the oxidizer. For fuel, RS1 can run on either RP-1 or Jet-A, which you’ll find at almost any airfield. This flexibility gives customers more options on where to launch.
The E2 engine powers every RS1 flight, relying on proven gas generator cycle tech. ABL handles engine manufacturing in-house, keeping costs down and quality up.
Engine Configuration:
E2 engines use turbopump-fed propellant delivery. ABL picked the gas generator cycle for its simplicity and reliability. Honestly, it’s the same basic cycle that powered the Saturn V moon rocket.
They blend traditional manufacturing with 3D printing. For complex parts like thrust chambers and turbopumps, they print in high-performance nickel alloys before machining to spec. Simpler components get forged and machined the old-fashioned way—helps keep costs and wait times in check.
ABL built RS1 for the small satellite market, aiming for competitive prices and flexible schedules. They wanted to support frequent launches without the need for sprawling ground infrastructure.
The rocket can put payloads in low Earth orbit using either the Hammer Head fairing for most missions or the XL fairing for bigger payloads. Thanks to the simplified design, launch prep takes a lot less time than it does for traditional rockets.
RS1 can be ready to go with fewer people and a smaller ground footprint than the competition. ABL focused on quick turnarounds between missions, hoping to match the growing demand for regular launches.
Containerized launch means you don’t need a permanent pad. Customers can pick launch sites based on their mission, not on what facilities happen to be available. That flexibility opens up better orbital trajectories and trims costs tied to old-school launch complexes.
ABL Space Systems runs several specialized facilities in California to support its rocket work. Their main manufacturing hub sits in El Segundo, while engine testing happens out in the Mojave Desert. Vehicle processing takes place at the Port of Long Beach.
ABL’s headquarters in El Segundo is the heart of their design and manufacturing. The campus covers 60,000 square feet, spread across a few buildings dedicated to systems production.
Inside, they’ve got specialized zones for rocket development. Building 140 hosts corporate teams, engineers, and technical staff, plus conference rooms. This building also houses the engine production lines and final integration, where all the rocket bits come together.
Building 211 is all about testing and assembly. It’s got environmental chambers to simulate space, and teams handle electromechanical assembly and harness fabrication there.
Key El Segundo Operations:
They keep costs and schedules tight by doing almost everything in-house. From basic panels to the trickiest turbomachinery, ABL fabricates it themselves.
Out in the Mojave Desert, ABL runs two separate test sites for rocket development. These places give them the space and safety needed for engine and stage testing.
Since 2019, ABL has used Area 1-56 at Edwards Air Force Base for advanced research projects. The Edwards site gives them room for unique operations that support fast, responsive launches.
The second Mojave site sits at Mojave Air and Space Port. Here, teams test E2 engines and validate launch equipment. They also handle integrated stage testing for RS1.
Both Mojave sites offer the remote, open desert environment needed for safe rocket work. The facilities let ABL test engines and stages far from busy manufacturing hubs.
ABL’s biggest facility operates at the Port of Long Beach, right on Navy Mole at Pier T. The site covers 8.06 acres of land, plus a chunk of waterfront.
At Long Beach, teams handle vehicle processing and payload integration. They prep rockets for launch and install customer satellites. The waterfront access lets ABL run maritime operations that support their global launch network.
This facility is ABL’s main staging area for launch operations. The port location connects directly to shipping routes, so they can send rockets anywhere in the world.
The Long Beach expansion stands as ABL’s largest single investment. The site blends manufacturing space with the logistics muscle needed for global launch services.
ABL Space Systems jumped into a tough small satellite launch market, one already packed with established players who had more resources and a track record. The company faced pressure from industry giants and niche competitors, all while wrestling with technical setbacks that eventually pushed them out of commercial launches.
SpaceX basically owns the launch market right now. Their Falcon 9 rocket handles most commercial satellite deployments, and they’ve built a reputation for reliability and low prices. SpaceX pulls off over 90 successful launches a year—ABL, on the other hand, couldn’t even notch a single win.
SpaceX’s reusable rocket technology slashed launch costs to about $2,700 per kilogram to low Earth orbit. ABL aimed for the smallsat market at $12,000 per kilogram, but they couldn’t compete on price or reliability.
The scale difference is wild. SpaceX brings in billions and keeps a launch pace that ABL never got close to. Their customer list includes NASA, the Department of Defense, and major satellite operators.
RS1’s main selling point was rapid deployment out of shipping containers—something SpaceX’s bigger setup can’t really match. But honestly, that flexibility doesn’t matter if you can’t fly successfully even once.
Rocket Lab became ABL’s main rival in the smallsat launch world. Their Electron rocket has completed dozens of missions and built up a solid reputation from launch sites in New Zealand and Virginia.
Rocket Lab pulled off what ABL couldn’t: steady mission success and customer trust. They landed contracts with NASA, commercial satellite operators, and defense groups thanks to their track record.
Virgin Orbit went bankrupt in 2023 after running into the same problems ABL did. Astra faced ongoing technical and financial struggles—just goes to show how brutally hard it is to break into this market.
Raising big rounds of venture capital just isn’t enough. ABL raised over $500 million, but that didn’t solve the technical headaches of rocket development.
The small launch market is just too crowded and unforgiving for most newcomers. Only the best-funded and most technically sharp companies survive.
ABL’s two major failures crushed their credibility in a market where reliability is everything. The January 2023 launch failure and July 2024 static fire explosion exposed the risks that come with building rockets.
After those setbacks, customers stopped calling. Companies like Amazon’s Project Kuiper and Lockheed Martin need proven launch providers, not experimental rockets with a history of failure.
The market quickly consolidated around the most reliable launchers. Satellite operators chose safety over potential cost savings. It’s getting harder and harder for new players to break in as established companies keep improving.
Rocket development is just crazy expensive. Hundreds of millions go into building and testing with zero guarantees—ABL’s story makes that painfully clear.
SpaceX’s rideshare programs also made dedicated small satellite launches less appealing. Customers could just book a slot on a Falcon 9 and avoid the risk of flying with an unproven rocket.
Between 2017 and 2024, ABL Space Systems raised $482 million over seven funding rounds, reaching a peak valuation of $2.4 billion. Their financial journey really shows how explosive—and risky—the commercial space sector can be.
ABL’s biggest funding moment came in 2021, when they landed $372 million in Series B. That was right at the peak of space industry hype and set their $2.4 billion valuation.
With that money, ABL built out infrastructure across three states. They opened test sites, factories, and launch facilities to back the RS1 program.
The company kept raising money through 2024, picking up another $20 million in May and finishing debt financing in April. These later rounds showed they still needed capital as technical challenges piled up.
The total $482 million raised signaled strong investor confidence in ABL’s mobile launch tech and their vision for commercial space.
Tier 1 Financial Institutions led the way, with T. Rowe Price and Fidelity Investments backing ABL in a big way. These institutional investors brought both credibility and deep pockets.
Leonid Capital Partners also played a key role, joining multiple rounds. In total, 14 different investors got involved at various stages.
Fidelity kept backing ABL through several rounds, showing long-term confidence in their approach. Having big-name financial firms on board helped validate ABL’s business model during the space boom.
ABL’s need for capital became obvious as rocket development costs soared. The $461 million pumped in before Series B underlined just how expensive this business can get.
Two failed RS1 launches in 2023 and 2024 only intensified the financial squeeze. Those failures forced ABL to rethink its commercial launch plans.
Eventually, the company pivoted away from commercial launches to focus on missile defense. That shift reflected the harsh reality: the commercial launch market had become too competitive for new players.
Financial pressures led to layoffs as ABL realigned its focus from commercial space services to defense work.
ABL Space Systems ran into two critical failures that seriously changed the company’s trajectory. The RS1 rocket was lost at Alaska’s Kodiak Island launch site and then suffered engine issues during ground testing.
ABL picked Alaska’s Pacific Spaceport Complex on Kodiak Island for its first RS1 rocket launches. The spot’s isolation gave them open skies over the Pacific for small satellite missions.
In January 2023, they tried their first launch. The RS1 actually lifted off, but just 10 seconds in, it lost power and crashed back onto the pad, exploding in a fireball.
Investigators at ABL traced the disaster to a critical design flaw in the launch mount. A fire had broken out in the engine compartment, all because the exhaust section of the pad wasn’t up to the job. That fire killed the rocket’s power and ended the mission instantly.
Two small satellites went up in smoke with the rocket. The blast also left the launch pad badly damaged, so they had to do major repairs before trying again.
Their second RS1 rocket didn’t even make it off the ground. During a static-fire test in July 2024, ABL wanted to check the engines before launch.
They fired up the E2 engines but shut everything down after half a second when a faulty pressure sensor tripped. Two engines started leaking fuel, which caught fire under the rocket.
ABL’s water supply system failed during the emergency. The mobile tanks ran dry after just 11 minutes, so the fire got out of control.
The heat overwhelmed the RS1 and it buckled, collapsing onto the pad. Later, ABL’s team found that combustion instability had eaten away at the propellant injectors and engine liners.
ABL Space Systems dug into both failures with full investigations. After the first incident, they redesigned the launch mount system. The second time, they found big problems with the engine feed system.
These hits forced ABL to reduce its workforce and slash costs. Launch delays piled up, and customers started to worry about contracts.
The setbacks really showed how tough the small satellite launch game can get. Reliability is everything when you’re up against giants like SpaceX and Rocket Lab.
ABL’s story looks a lot like other rocket startups who stumbled early on. Their future depends on whether they can fix the design issues and win back trust with real-world successes.
ABL Space Systems made a big move—ditching commercial satellite launches to focus just on missile defense for the Pentagon. Now, they’re working on hypersonic test vehicles and building new military partnerships, buoyed by $461 million in funding.
In late 2024, ABL Space Systems said they were leaving the commercial launch market behind. They threw all their resources into missile defense programs for the U.S. Department of Defense.
After the RS1 rocket program ran into trouble, especially with the July 2024 pad failure, ABL realized the competition was just too fierce in commercial launches.
Why the change?
Dan Piemont, ABL’s founder, said their tech and patents could help solve missile defense challenges. By pivoting, they could use their propulsion and vehicle design skills for military work.
The missile systems market is set to reach eye-popping numbers in the next decade. Rising military budgets and global tensions are fueling that growth.
ABL now pours its energy into hypersonic test vehicles for the military. They use their rocket know-how to help test missile defense at crazy high speeds.
Hypersonic weapons travel faster than Mach 5. That’s five times the speed of sound, and most missile defense systems can’t keep up. ABL’s test vehicles give the Pentagon a way to practice and improve.
The RS1 rocket tech forms the base for these platforms. ABL’s engineers tweaked the propulsion and controls to meet military needs.
What they’re building:
The Department of Defense needs realistic tests to check out new missile defense tech. ABL’s hypersonic vehicles mimic real-world threats that military systems might face.
This new direction feels like a natural next step for ABL’s rocket team. The same tech that put satellites in space now powers defense research.
ABL Space Systems is chasing Pentagon contracts and teaming up with defense contractors. They’ve even rebranded as Long Wall to show their new focus on national security.
Selling to the government is a whole different beast. Defense deals mean navigating security clearances and strict military standards. The sales cycle is longer and way more complicated.
Potential partnerships:
With threats changing fast, the Pentagon puts missile defense at the top of its list. ABL (now Long Wall) aims to offer specialized test vehicles and propulsion systems for these missions.
Military buyers care more about proven tech and reliability than saving a buck. That actually fits ABL’s strengths better than the cutthroat commercial market.
After six years building rockets, ABL’s team brings real credibility. They know what it takes to meet military specs for propulsion and vehicle systems.
ABL Space Systems, now Long Wall, has completely shifted from commercial launches to defense. They’re all-in on missile defense tech and national security projects that could shake up both defense contracts and space industry dynamics.
Long Wall wants to build advanced missile defense systems for the Pentagon. They plan to use their rocket propulsion skills to create interceptors and other defensive tech.
This move tackles growing worries about hypersonic weapons and threats to satellites. Long Wall can use their space launch experience to protect American assets in orbit and on the ground.
Defense work offers steadier funding than the wild west of commercial launches. Government contracts usually mean longer-term deals and better margins.
Long Wall’s engineers bring a rare mix of orbital rocket experience. That gives them an edge in building high-speed defense systems—something old-school defense firms might not have.
Long Wall will probably develop interceptor missiles to knock out incoming threats. These need the same propulsion and guidance systems they built for the RS1.
They might also work on satellite defense platforms to protect spacecraft from anti-satellite weapons and space debris.
Ground-based radar and tracking could be another area. Long Wall could design detection networks that spot threats before they get close.
Mobile launch systems for defensive missiles are also on the table. The military wants gear that’s fast to deploy and works from lots of locations.
Long Wall’s pivot could inspire other struggling launch startups to chase defense money. SpaceX and the big names still dominate commercial launches, so defense looks more appealing for smaller players.
This shift might thin out competition in commercial launches while making America’s defense industry stronger. Companies like Long Wall bring new ideas to old defense problems.
When defense programs push rocket tech forward, the whole space industry benefits. Military innovations often end up helping with satellite launches and exploration, too.
ABL’s transformation shows that space companies can adapt when markets change. Maybe their pivot will become a playbook for other startups fighting to survive in the crowded launch sector.
ABL Space Systems runs a containerized rocket system that can go just about anywhere. Their solutions focus on launching small satellites using portable ground setups and reliable rockets.
ABL built the RS1 rocket as their main vehicle. It’s a big, transportable rocket designed for small satellite missions.
The RS1 pairs with the GS0 ground system. This setup packs into standard shipping containers, so you can move it by truck, ship, or plane.
They started out offering orbital launch services. Now, though, ABL has shifted to missile defense as of 2024.
ABL designed their system to work in tough places. The RS1 and GS0 can launch from sites with almost no existing infrastructure.
They run a lean mission control. Their launches need fewer crew than traditional aerospace teams.
Because the system is containerized, setup is pretty much the same wherever they go. Crews can install, integrate, and prep launches with the same steps at each site.
The RS1 targets the small satellite market. ABL built it to put small satellites into orbit.
They call the RS1 a high-capacity option in the small sat launch world. Actual payload depends on where you’re going and what the mission needs.
Their system can handle both orbital and suborbital flights. The flexible design lets them launch a range of small satellite types.
ABL made their system to be versatile. The RS1 and GS0 can do both orbital and suborbital missions.
Because it’s portable, you can launch from different sites. All you need is a flat concrete pad.
The containerized setup means faster prep and turnaround compared to old-school fixed infrastructure.
ABL keeps things cost-effective with simple systems. Their approach uses fewer resources than traditional launches.
The container design means you don’t need big permanent buildings. Just a basic concrete pad will do.
Because the system is portable, it leaves less environmental impact at each site. Teams can launch without building up infrastructure everywhere they go.
ABL Space Systems built their entire setup with small satellites in mind. The RS1 rocket and GS0 ground system go right after that market.
Their portable system lets customers choose from a range of launch locations. If there’s a suitable concrete pad, they can offer launch services pretty much anywhere in the world.
ABL works to keep operations simple, aiming to cut launch costs for small satellite operators. This approach helps make space more accessible for folks with smaller payloads.
