Kleos engages ISISPACE to build third satellite cluster, 2nd Cluster to be delivered to Launch Site
Contract placed with ISISPACE to build and support Kleos’ third mission – Polar Patrol Mission – four satellites scheduled for end of 2021 launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9
ISISPACE to provide a turn-key solution from satellite design and build through to launch and Early Orbit phase support
Polar Vigilance Mission second satellite cluster of four satellites expected at launch site week commencing 31st May
ISISPACE Contract includes potential for a further three clusters of four satellites in 2022
Kleos Space S.A (ASX:KSS, Frankfurt:KS1), a space-powered Radio Frequency Reconnaissance data-as-a-service (DaaS) company, has signed a contract with Innovative Solutions in Space B.V. (ISISPACE) to build and support its third satellite cluster of four satellites, the Polar Patrol Mission (KSF2), scheduled to launch at the end of 2021 onboard a SpaceX Falcon 9.
ISISPACE is also completing Kleos’ second satellite cluster, the Polar Vigilance Mission (KSF1), for dispatch to the launch site week commencing 31 May 2021.
Netherlands-based ISISPACE has more than 15 years’ experience in the design, manufacture, and operation of nanosatellites. Under the contract ISISPACE will provide a full turn-key solution including design, development, production, testing, launch integration services and Early Orbit Phase support. The Polar Patrol satellites create an opportunity for higher value subscriptions, increasing revenues by adding more frequent cover over commercial areas of interest and additional data products to the Kleos inventory.
Launching into a 500-600km Sun Synchronous orbit, Kleos’ third satellite cluster doubles the company’s coverage over both poles, complementing the Scouting Mission and Polar Vigilance Mission satellites, thereby enhancing global coverage. Scouting Mission satellites data delivery, is expected to commence to early adopter customers shortly. Kleos’ Polar Vigilance satellites are on track for a mid-2021 launch onboard a SpaceX Falcon 9, following the recent successful completion of key development milestones with ISISPACE.
Kleos Space CEO Andy Bowyer said, “ISISPACE has proven to be an ideal development partner for Kleos, with our second satellite cluster nearing completion ahead of a mid-year launch. Targeting a constellation of up to 20 satellite clusters, each new satellite cluster will increase sensing and intelligence gathering capabilities generating higher value data products for subscribers.
“Our commercial ISR data is able to effectively geolocate radio frequency transmissions irrespective of the presence of positioning systems, unclear imagery, poor weather or targets being out of patrol range. It has broad applications spanning security and defence, environment, insurance and regulatory sectors.”
Jeroen Rotteveel, CEO of ISISPACE, said, “We are proud to continue our partnership with Kleos, utilising our extensive nanosatellite experience to build and design their third satellite cluster within a relatively short timeframe. As a strategic partner, we look forward to supporting them as they continue to build and launch their satellite constellation.”
The mission costs incurred are anticipated to be compared to publicly available satellite costs and within the envelope of the cost of the Kleos Scouting Mission advised within the prospectus. The contract includes an optional addendum for a further three satellite clusters (12 further satellites in total) that will facilitate constellation growth with volume purchasing advantages. Funding methods for subsequent clusters will be determined by the directors and will be through a combination of revenue, equity or borrowings depending on capital market conditions prevailing at the time.
Kleos’ satellites detect and geolocate radio frequency transmissions to enhance the detection of illegal activity, including piracy, drug and people smuggling, border security challenges and illegal fishing. Its global activity-based data is sold as-a-service to governments and commercial entities, complementing existing commercial datasets to improve their intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.