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Kleos Space S.A., the space-powered Radio Frequency Reconnaissance data provider, advises that the Kleos’ Scouting Mission-1 launch is confirmed for August 2019 on a Rocket Lab Electron launch vehicle.
All preparations by Kleos on the Kleos’ Scouting Mission satellites are on track for mission readiness and will be onsite, ready for flight preparation as soon as the Rocket Lab customer area is ready to accept the Kleos team for integration activities.
Satellite testing will conclude with a complete system test using KSAT (Kleos Scouting Mission ground station service provider) specialist ground station equipment, immediately prior to Flight Acceptance Review and dispatch to launch Site.
All four satellites have successfully completed all the necessary checks with the Rocket Lab’s in-house designed and built Maxwell dispenser which is used for deployment from the Electron kick stage to low Earth orbit.
Pre-flight testing of critical functions within the detection systems on the satellites used for the creation of the Kleos geolocation data, have performed significantly better than specification, this improvement will further increase accuracy and product value.
The Kleos’ Scouting Mission satellites are to be commissioned in a precise 500 km Sun Synchronous Orbit as part of a rideshare mission with Rocket Lab who have advised that the 14-day launch window will be publicly notified approximately 20 days prior to the target launch date.
Kleos’ CEO said “Kleos technical team have applied themselves exceptionally well to achieve this stage mission-readiness for the Kleos’ Scouting Mission and continue to optimise the post launch phase of the mission to ensure revenue generating data starts flowing as quick as possible .”
“They have also worked well with GomSpace to improve the satellites capabilities further enhancing our offer to the market.”
Rocket Lab’s Senior Vice President of Global Launch Services, Lars Hoffman, says the team is proud to provide Kleos with responsive and tailored access to orbit.
“We’re excited to give the Kleos Scouting Mission satellites a first-class ride to orbit on Electron. We’ve worked closely with the Kleos team to design a tailored rideshare mission that lays the strong foundation for a future constellation.”
