- Kleos Space (KSS) confirms its fourth satellite cluster, Observer, is scheduled to launch on the next Transporter-6 SpaceX mission in October 2022
- The Observer satellites will be deployed from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida and will orbit in a sun-synchronous pattern
- The satellites will expand Kleos’ data collection capability by up to a further 119 million square kilometres per day and increase its average daily revisit rate to around five times a day
- Kleos has also signed an agreement with the US Navy Naval Surface Warfare Centre to provide its radio frequency geolocation data in realistic test scenarios
- Shares in Kleos are up 4.44 per cent and are trading at 47 cents at 11:54 am AEST
Kleos Space (KSS) has confirmed its fourth satellite cluster, Observer, is scheduled to launch on the next Transporter-6 SpaceX mission in October 2022.
The Observer satellites will be deployed from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida and will orbit in a sun-synchronous pattern.
Kleos said these satellites would expand its data collection capability by up to a further 119 million square kilometres per day and increase its average daily revisit rate over the 15-degree latitude area of interest to around five times a day.
“The upcoming launch brings our low earth orbit constellation to 16 satellites, further increasing our data collection, intelligence, and reconnaissance capabilities,” CEO Andy Bowyer said.
The launch was contracted by Spaceflight Inc and was originally meant for a mid-2022 launch. However, the launch was moved after Spaceflight encountered a vibration issue with the original deployment method.
“As Kleos continues to launch its constellation, it’s important to offer a variety of reliable launch options,” Spaceflight President and CEO Curt Blake said.
“Through our diverse portfolio of launch and industry partners, Spaceflight delivers unprecedented launch flexibility. We’re excited to support Kleos as it continues to grow its constellation and deliver valuable capabilities and insight.”
Kleos has also signed an agreement with the US Navy Naval Surface Warfare Centre for joint data experimentation.
Under the Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA), Kleos will provide its radio frequency geolocation data to improve maritime domain awareness for reporting, embargo, search and rescue, smuggling, fisheries and border control and resource management.
The CRADA is the first phase of the SCOUT Experimentation Campaign, which is a collaboration between the Naval Research and Development Establishment, industry players, academia and Department of Defense Partners to innovate and integrate solutions for military challenges.
Shares in Kleos were up 4.44 per cent and were trading at 47 cents at 11:54 am AEST.