Kleos launches Polar Vigilance satellites Second Cluster now in orbit
Kleos Space S.A (ASX: KSS, Frankfurt: KS1), a space-powered Radio Frequency Reconnaissance data-as-a-service (DaaS) company, successfully launched its second satellite cluster, the Polar Vigilance Mission (KSF1), on 30 June 2021 aboard the Spaceflight SXRS-5/SpaceX Transporter-2 Mission.
Kleos Space CEO, Andy Bowyer, said: “The second cluster has been launched as planned and on budget, with the incredible work of the Kleos team and our mission partners. Kleos is well on track to see its third constellation in orbit by the end of this year. With each cluster, coverage and volume of data increases commensurately increasing our revenue opportunities.
Andy added “Our satellites collect data that we process 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 are able to 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.”
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, is assisting with Launch and Early Orbit phase (LEOP) support, which includes software and payload verification, uplink and downlink activation, antenna deployment, and manoeuvring the four satellites into orbit and operational formation.
Kleos Space CTO Miles Ashcroft said: “The timescale for our KSF1 cluster from purchase order to launch was exceptionally ambitious and we have to thank ISISpace and Spaceflight in addition to Kleos’ technical team. I’m proud of the whole team who have worked together empathetically, and it has made a massive difference with an incredible outcome that can’t be overstated.”
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 targeting a precision geolocation capability. Data from the KSM1 Scouting Mission is being delivered to customers whilst the satellites are being used to develop the many Space and ground segments for the Company.
Early adopter revenue has commenced, with repeat subscription-based revenues delayed and anticipated to commence in Q3, and further increase in Q4 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 toward a late 2021 launch aboard another SpaceX Falcon 9.