- June 29, 2022
- Tech
- Data
- Cloud
- Luxembourg
- Security
- Startup
- Development
- Digital
Kleos launches second cluster, Polar Vigilance Mission satellites now in orbit
Kleos’ four Polar Vigilance Mission (KSF1) satellites have successfully been launched from Cape Canaveral in Florida aboard the Spaceflight SXRS-5/SpaceX Transporter-2 Mission and are in orbit.
Kleos Space S.A, a space-powered Radio Frequency
Reconnaissance data-as-aservice (DaaS) company, successfully launched its
second satellite cluster, the Polar Vigilance Mission (KSF1), on 30 June 2021
(UTC) aboard the Spaceflight SXRS-5/SpaceX Transporter-2 Mission.
Deployed into a 525km Sun Synchronous orbit from Cape Canaveral
in Florida, the Polar Vigilance satellites further enhance Kleos’ global
coverage and data collection capability and broaden the coverage range of
Kleos’ first cluster of four Kleos Scouting Mission (KSM1) satellites. Satellite developer, Innovative Solutions In
Space (ISISPACE), is performing the Launch and Early Operation Phase (LEOP)
support, which includes commissioning of all spacecraft systems and manoeuvring
the four satellites into operational formation.
Kleos CTO Miles Ashcroft said: “Despite the schedule
for the KSF1 satellites from placing the contract to launch being exceptionally
ambitious, Kleos’ second cluster has been launched within the time window
allocated and on budget. We must acknowledge ISISPACE and Spaceflight as well
as our Kleos’ technical team’s work, I am proud of the whole team who have
worked together empathetically, and it has made a massive difference with an
incredible outcome that cannot be overstated. Kleos is well on track to see its
third constellation in orbit by the end of this year. With each cluster
launched, coverage and volume of data increases, commensurately increasing our
revenue opportunities.”
The KSM1 Scouting Mission satellites were launched into a
37-degree low earth orbit in November 2020 and were the world’s first four
satellite cluster flown in a formation for precision geolocation capability.
Data from the KSM1 Scouting Mission is being delivered to customers and the
satellites are being used to develop many space and ground segments for the Company.
Early adopter revenue has commenced, with repeat subscription-based revenues
delayed but anticipated to commence in Q3 & increase further in Q4 2021
with the addition of the data from the second cluster, Polar Vigilance
satellites. The constellation will grow further with the addition of Kleos’
third satellite cluster - the Polar Patrol Mission, which is on track for a
late 2021 launch aboard another SpaceX Falcon 9.
Kleos satellites collect data that is then processed to
detect and geolocate radio frequency activity to improve the detection of
hidden and illegal activities including piracy, drug and people smuggling,
border security challenges and illegal fishing as they can detect
transmissions, independent of other systems such as those used in active
tracking, or when imagery is unclear, or targets are out of normal aircraft
patrol range.
Press release by Kleos Space S.A