Each Varisat satellite consists of two 6U CubeSats paired together as one.

The satellites will test ship to satellite, and satellite to surface communication stations. They are also designed to support maritime activities.

In May 2022, the first satellite (Varisat 1C) was launched on the Tranporter-5 mission on SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket.

The next two satellites (Varisat 1A and 1B) are going to be launched in September 2022 on ABL Space Systems' first rocket, RS1.

Image: ABL Space Systems

The world's newest small-sat, low-cost rocket from ABL Space Systems. The RS1 rocket made its maiden launch in January 2023 from Kodiak Alaska.

Stats

Diameter: 6 ft (1.8 m)

Length: 7.3 ft (2.2 m)

PROPELLANTS: LOx/RP1 or LOx/Jet-A

Stage 1 Engine: 9x E2 Sea Level

Stage 1 Thrust: 109,000lbf (sea level)

Stage 2 Engine: 1x E2 Vacuum

Stage 2 Thrust: 13,000lbf (vacuum)

Engine Cycle: Gas Generator

RS1 uses a simple metallic fairing to shield the payload from aerodynamic buffeting and heating during ascent. Internally, the fairing is provisioned with acoustic protection. The fairing is a two-part assembly, which separates along a longitudinal seam. Non-pyrotechnic devices are used for fairing separation, which limits shock loads. The fairing is jettisoned after the aero heating rate is reduced below the required level.

RS1 was designed for deployability. Each stage of the rocket is sized to fit in standard shipping containers. This means RS1 can be moved by air, land, or sea to a launch site. The vehicle is powered by LOx and RP-1 or Jet-A.

E2 is a LOx/RP, gas generator cycle, turbopump-fed engine. 9x E2 engines power Stage 1 and 1x E2 engine powers Stage 2. The Saturn V flew with gas generator cycle engines, and so does RS1.

Caption and image courtesy of ABL Space Systems.

The Pacific Spaceport Complex is located on scenic Kodiak Island, Alaska. Formerly the Kodiak Launch Complex, the spaceport is a multi-user facility, allowing military and commercial suborbital and orbital launches from a variety of rockets and companies. It is owned and operated by Alaska Aerospace Corporation of the State of Alaska.

The spaceport began operations in 1998 and has supported over two dozen launches. The site has three operational launch pads with an accompanying mission control center. Launch Pad 1 and Launch Pad 3 are used for orbital launches while Launch Pad 2 is used for suborbital flights.

Image courtesy of ABL Space Systems.