Contracts signed with proposed launch in mid-2022
Kleos Space S.A (ASX:KSS, Frankfurt:KS1, Kleos or Company), a space-powered Radio Frequency Reconnaissance data-as-a-service (DaaS) company, has signed new contracts with satellite builder Innovative Solutions in Space B.V. (ISISPACE) and global launch services provider Spaceflight Inc to build and manage the launch its fourth satellite cluster of four satellites, the Observer Mission (KSF3) mid-2022.
Kleos Space CEO Andy Bowyer said, “We are rapidly building our constellation, utilising funds from our recent capital raise to commit to our fourth satellite cluster build and launch. Each new launch enables us to improve satellite data collection and increase revisits over key areas of interest for our customers.
The Observer Mission increases the revenue opportunity from existing subscribers and caters to the needs of our growing global pipeline. Spaceflight and ISISPACE have proven to be effective partners for both our Vigilance Mission and upcoming Patrol Mission launch. We are leveraging their experience to accelerate the build and launch of our Observer Mission.”
Kleos’ fourth satellite cluster complements the 37-degree orbit of the ‘Scouting Mission’ and Sun Synchronous orbits of the ‘Vigilance Mission’ and ‘Patrol Mission’ satellites with up to a further 119 million km2 data collection capacity per day (Vigilance and Patrol Missions each have similar data collect capacity).
Netherlands-based ISISPACE will provide Kleos with a turn-key solution for its four Observer Mission satellites, including design, development, production, testing, launch integration services, and support for checkout and commissioning”. ISISPACE has more than 15 years’ nanosatellite experience, successfully built Kleos’ ‘Vigilance Mission’ (KSF1) and is currently building the ‘Patrol Mission’ (KSF2) satellites.
Jeroen Rotteveel, CEO of ISISPACE, said, “We are proud to be expanding our strategic partnership with Kleos to build and support the launch of their fourth satellite cluster. Our extensive nanosatellite experience spans design, manufacturing and operation complementing Kleos’ in-house engineering expertise. We look forward to continuing to work with Kleos to increase satellite capability, leveraging learnings from earlier launches.”
Spaceflight provided the integration, mission management, and launch services for the successful launch of the Vigilance Mission satellites on its SXRS-5 mission in June 2021 and has already been engaged by Kleos for the upcoming Patrol Mission launch.
Marcy Mabry, Spaceflight’s Mission Manager added, “We are delighted to be working with Kleos again to launch its small satellite payload into a 500-600km Sun Synchronous orbit. Our portfolio of frequent launch options provides unmatched flexibility and reliability, ensuring Kleos’ growing constellation gets to orbit when and where they want. Kleos’ satellite technology addresses a real-world need, providing precision geolocation data to improve situational awareness and disrupt illegal activity.”
Kleos successfully launched its Scouting Mission and Vigilance Mission satellites in November 2020 and June 2021 respectively. Its Patrol Mission satellites are progressing through the build process and on track for an expected January 2022 launch onboard a SpaceX Falcon 9. Identical to the upcoming Patrol Mission satellites (KSF2), the Observer Mission will provide increased capacity and more frequent revisit times. Each new cluster increases Kleos’ sensing and intelligence gathering capacity, generating potential for higher-value data products and tiered subscription licenses.
Kleos’ satellites detect and geolocate radio frequency transmissions to improve the intelligence, surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities of governments and commercial entities. Its independent geolocation data enhances the detection of illegal activity, including piracy, drug and people smuggling, border security challenges and illegal fishing, and is available to qualified subscribers as-a-service.
Final mission costs incurred are anticipated to be comparable with publicly available satellite build and space rideshare costs and within the envelope of the cost of a launch advised within the prospectus.
This announcement has been authorised by Andy Bowyer, CEO of Kleos Space S.A.
Contracted Mission Schedule
| Mission Designation | Mission Name | Launch Date (Actual/Scheduled) |
| KSM1 | Scouting Mission | 7 November 2020 |
| KSF1 | Vigilance Mission | 29 June 2021 |
| KSF2 | Patrol Mission | Expected January 2022 |
| KSF3 | Observer Mission | Mid 2022 |
For further information, please contact:
| Europe/US | Australia |
| Kleos Space S.A. Andy Bowyer +352 2088 2290 / +1 202-866-8794 |
Market Eye
Eric Kuret +61 3 9591 8904 |
About Kleos Space S.A.
Kleos is a space-enabled radio frequency Reconnaissance data-as-a-service company with operations in Luxembourg, the US and UK. Kleos locates radio transmissions in key areas of interest around the globe, efficiently uncovering data points to expose human activity on land and sea. Using clusters of four satellites, proprietary radio frequency data (RF Data) is collected, transmitted to the ground, processed, and delivered to customers worldwide. Customers, including analytics and intelligence entities, will license data on a subscription basis (Data-as-a-Service aka DaaS), for government and commercial use cases – aiding better and faster decision making. Kleos’ first satellite cluster, the Scouting Mission (KSM), successfully launched in November 2020 is performing as a test and technology demonstration whilst collecting data. The company’s second satellite cluster, the Vigilance Mission, successfully launched in June 2021 and its Patrol Mission is scheduled to launch in early 2022 and 4th Cluster, Observer Mission targeted for mid 2022. These satellite clusters form the foundation of a global high-capacity constellation of up to 20 satellite clusters, which will deliver high value global observation. For more information visit: www.kleos.space
About Innovative Solutions In Space
Innovative Solutions In Space (ISISPACE) is one of the leading companies in the small satellite market. Founded in 2006, the company operates globally and serves customers worldwide in accomplishing their space missions and applications. ISISPACE specialises in realizing innovative turn-key small satellite missions including launch and operations for in-orbit delivery. ISISPACE designs and delivers small satellite platforms, for single missions and constellations, either standardized or optimised in performance and size tailored to the mission needs. In addition to that, the company supports space capability building through training programs, knowledge transfer as well as component sales. Currently, ISISPACE employs over 125 specialist employees from 25 different nationalities. For more information please visit: www.isispace.nl
About Spaceflight Inc.
As the premier global launch services provider, Spaceflight is revolutionizing the business of space transportation through its comprehensive suite of launch services and Sherpa® orbital transfer vehicles. The company provides unprecedented launch flexibility to ensure customers’ smallsats get to orbit exactly when and where they want through a combination of long-standing relationships with a diverse portfolio of launch partners, innovative satellite integration capabilities, including flight and ground support hardware, licensing and logistics management, and extensive mission management expertise. Based in Seattle, Spaceflight has successfully launched hundreds of satellites and is a part of the Mitsui & Co., Ltd. portfolio, operating as an independent, U.S.-based company. For more information, visit http://www.spaceflight.com.
