EPISODE SUMMARY
This week’s Pathfinder podcast features Dan Piemont, the cofounder, President, and CFO of ABL Space, the LA-based launch startup. ABL’s launch model focuses on a containerized ground system which allows the company to launch from effectively any flat surface in the world. Mo and Dan chat about ABL’s maiden launch attempt, lessons learned, and the road to Flight 2.
EPISODE NOTES
ABL Space is heading back to the pad after a power failure prevented its maiden launch attempt from reaching orbit last January. The company, known for its innovative approach to ground infrastructure by containerizing its launch system, aims to launch its RS1 rocket by the year’s end.
This week’s Pathfinder podcast features Dan Piemont, the cofounder, President, and CFO of the LA-based launch startup. Mo and Dan delve into the lessons learned from the company’s initial launch attempt and the improvements made to the RS1 and GS0 ground system. In addition, they discuss:
- How ABL differentiates itself in the market
- Current supply/demand dynamics of launch
- Rideshare packaging efficiency
- Plans after Flight 2
And much more…
This episode is brought to you by SpiderOak, a US-based software company that builds space cybersecurity products and solutions for civilian, military, and commercial space operations. Learn more at https://spideroak.com/
• Chapters •
00:00 – Intro & SpiderOak Ad
01:56 – Dan’s background
02:34 – History of ABL
05:05 – What differentiates ABL?
08:23 – Regulation surrounding mobile launch systems
10:08 – Flight 1, what happened?
13:56 – Key improvements on Flight 2
18:12 – Risks of diving into Block 2
20:53 – Plans after Flight 2
21:29 – Increasing launch cadence
24:52 – Traction between government and commercial customers
26:43 – Is heavier launch in ABL’s future?
28:20 – SpiderOak Ad
29:07 – Supply and demand dynamics
32:56 – Rideshare packaging efficiency
42:51 – Lack of high cadence in the industry
44:30 – What are investors currently looking for in the market?
48:12 – Creating momentum after Flight 1