Kleos Space S.A., a space-powered Radio Frequency Reconnaissance data-as-a-service (DaaS) company, has signed a new contract with rideshare provider Spaceflight Inc to launch its third satellite cluster (KSF2) in December 2021 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.
Kleos’ satellites focus on the detection of illegal activity, including drug and people smuggling, illegal fishing, and border and security challenges.
Kleos Space CEO Andy Bowyer said: “The launch of our third satellite cluster will further improve the frequency and value of our radio frequency intelligence data, generating higher-value datasets and further tiered subscription licence options. While Kleos is targeting a constellation of up to 20 satellite clusters, each cluster will increase the volume of data that can be sold and provide further insights as to activity in key areas of interest for our customers.
“While we progress our constellation roll out with the launch of our second and third satellite clusters, we continue to focus on securing and building a new subscriber base. Data delivery from the Scouting Mission satellites allows us to commence revenue generation from early adopter and test contracts.”
The four KSF2 Polar Patrol Mission satellites will launch into a 500-600km Sun Synchronous orbit, complementing Kleos’ first and second satellite clusters and increasing cover over key maritime areas of interest (e.g. double the coverage over both Poles).
Kleos’ second satellite cluster – the Polar Vigilance Mission – has recently completed a key development milestone and remains on track for a mid-2021 launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9.
Commissioning and data collection from Kleos’ initial Scouting Mission satellites, which launched from India into a 37-degree inclination in November 2020, is nearing completion.
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