Space enabled, activity based intelligence specialist Kleos Space S.A. (ASX: KSS) has been awarded a contract to participate in the United States Air Force Space Vehicle Directorates Catalyst (AFRL/RV) Space Accelerator program (CSA).
The CSA, sponsored by Air Force Research Lab’s Space Vehicles Directorate, is designed to increase the Air Force’s awareness and rapid acquisition of commercial dual-use space technology by providing relevant business development training to CSA companies and connecting them to potential new customers in the US Department of Defence.
Andy Bowyer, CEO of Kleos, said the program is unique in connecting participants with customers and providing ‘sherpas’ to steer military and commercial engagement.
He said the program has delivered US$10 million in follow on funding and over 100 military contracts to its past participants over three cohorts and offers dynamic programming in close proximity to 11 military bases and space-related military units.
“We are entering an exciting era in space where technologies long considered to be things of science fiction are becoming reality,” Mr Bowyer said.
“Since the first space-based reconnaissance imagery was captured on photographic film by the Discoverer 13 nearly sixty years ago, US space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) technologies have greatly evolved and transformed the nature of warfare, providing an unprecedented level of “foreknowledge” to US Service Personnel and to US national security.
“They provide the unique capability of persistent, long-term, remote sensing and encompass many applications. To deliver these capabilities requires the development and integration of advanced sensors, complex algorithms, data processing, and novel ideas that result in disruptive technology.”
Danny McGrane has been appointed by Kleos to deliver the CSA program and the resulting opportunities. Mr McGrane is a highly experienced ex Royal Navy officer, NATO Deputy Chief in the US and Programme Manager for Joint Forces Command in the UK.