Maritime intelligence data provider Kleos Space is on track to launch its initial Scouting Mission satellites by the end of the second quarter of 2019 with its satellites passing the Test Readiness Review milestone with GomSpace A/S. Kleos’ satellites, being built by nanosatellite specialist GomSpace A/S, will now enter the testing phase in preparation for final acceptance.
During the Test Readiness Review Kleos critically assessed; system documentation, interface control documentation, Radio Frequency (RF) subsystems, budgets, verification planning, acceptance test plans and criteria, RF test procedures, downlink test plans, geolocation payload verification, end-to-end test procedures and hardware availability.
The Scouting Mission satellites are set to be launched on a Rocket Lab Electron rocket from New Zealand. Upon completion of the last main milestone before launch, Final Acceptance Review, due by May, Kleos’ satellites will be integrated into Rocket Lab’s bespoke Maxwell dispensers for deployment to low Earth orbit.
The multi-satellite Scouting Mission system will form the foundation of a constellation that delivers a global picture of hidden maritime activity, enhancing the intelligence capability of government and commercial entities when AIS (Automatic Identification System) is defeated, imagery unclear and targets out of patrol range.
Kleos’ independent activity-based intelligence, geolocation Data-as-a-Service (DaaS) will enable governments to detect and locate activity such as drug and people smuggling, illegal fishing and piracy, and identify those needing search and rescue at sea.
Andy Bowyer, CEO of Kleos Space said:
Kleos continues to achieve important milestones on schedule and in line with our plans. GomSpace’s nanosatellite expertise has met and exceeded our expectations. We are focused on completing the final acceptance of the satellites on schedule.”
“Kleos will be on the path to commercialisation with the launch of our Scouting Mission satellites, generating revenue following the successful collection of data. Our Scouting Mission satellites will provide daily intelligence geolocation data-as-a-service while our larger constellation will provide near-real time updates.”