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ABL Space Systems’ RS1

RS-1 prior to launching.
RS-1 prior to launching. Photo: ABL Space Systems

On January 11, ABL Space Systems’ RS1 rocket became the third launch vehicle to break down in less than a month. Launching from Alaska’s Pacific Spaceport Complex, the rocket’s nine E2 engine shut down seconds into the flight, causing it to plunge back to Earth with 95% of its fuel still onboard. The resulting mushroom cloud could be seen some 25 miles away.