First UK satellite launch to use ABL Space Systems’ RS1 rocket The first ever vertical small satellite launch from UK soil – due to take place in Scotland in 2022 – will also be the first UK commercial launch for ABL Space Systems’ new RS1 rocket. The project is dubbed “UK Pathfinder Launch” and is planned to take place from the Shetland Space Centre at Lamba Ness on Unst. ABL Space Systems, a US-based company, is a developer of low-cost launch vehicles and launch systems for small satellites. And Lockheed Martin, the UK Space Agency’s partner for the project, has contracted it to supply a rocket and associated launch services.