Kleos Space, the Luxembourg-based New Space geolocation company that is listed on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX), has selected Rocket Lab to launch its first satellites in 2019.
The Kleos satellites will be used for a scouting mission to geolocate maritime radio to guard borders, protect assets, and save lives.
“Rocket Lab’s technology provides us with the flexibility we need to grow our satellite constellation and respond to the demanding market needs,” Andy Bowyer, CEO of Kleos Space said.
“We are thrilled to launch our first satellites with a new space company which meets our business philosophy.”
The multi-satellite system of the Kleos Scouting Mission (KSM) will form the cornerstones of a 20-system constellation that will geolocate VHF transmissions from marine vessels to provide global activity-based intelligence data as a service. The Kleos Space constellation will detect radio transmissions and pinpoint their origin and timing, enabling governments and organizations to detect activity such as drug and people smuggling, illegal fishing, and piracy, and also identify those in need of search and rescue at sea.
Built by GomSpace, the Kleos Space satellites are scheduled to launch on an Electron rocket from its New Zealand Launch Complex-1 in mid-2019. They will be integrated into Rocket Lab’s in-house-designed-and-built Maxwell dispensers and deployed from the Electron kick stage to low Earth orbit.
“Small satellite technology like that of Kleos Space is increasingly playing a vital role in informing decisions on the ground that protect people and the environment,” said Peter Beck, CEO of Rocket Lab. “We’re thrilled to be partnering with Kleos Space to provide them with the rapid and reliable access to orbit needed to build and replenish small satellite constellations.”
