Radio frequency geolocation intelligence data provider Kleos Space (ASX: KSS) has been awarded a first stage contract from the US National Reconnaissance Office (NRO).
The NRO is one of the big US intelligence agencies and works closely with innovative space-based surveillance and reconnaissance systems that collect and deliver intelligence to enhance US national security. Kleos was awarded the first stage contract under the NRO’s SCE BAA Framework, and will analyse, model, and simulate its radio frequency (RF) capabilities to demonstrate how it can support the US Government’s current and future commercial radio frequency reconnaissance needs.
Under the project, Kleos will provide insights into how to optimise evolving commercial RF geolocation capability in a persistent, resilient, cost-effective manner that is also easily shareable across the U.S. Government, and with international partners and allies. Ensuing stages will place emphasis on tasking, data collection and direct delivery of data to end-users.
Commenting on the announcement, Kleos’ Chief Revenue Officer, Eric von Eckartsberg, said, “We are very proud to receive this contract with the NRO, and to start our projected journey to growth with RF Earth Observation data, which imagery companies have been enjoying for many years.”
“This study project represents a significant opportunity for Kleos to help the NRO assess the operational and decision-making usefulness of commercial RF GEOINT and understanding how our unique data set can be leveraged and fused with NRO’s operational capabilities through a combination of modelling and simulation, and analysis of collected data from our growing constellation of satellite clusters.”
“Our four satellites per cluster constellation has significant operational benefits, including increased resilience and risk reduction compared to systems with fewer satellites. It enables us to collect additional radio frequencies within each band and accurately detect transmissions even when the tracking or positional system has been disabled or turned off. Our independent intelligence data can be used to validate or tip and cue other commercial datasets to enhance situational awareness.”
The Company also announced its Observer Mission satellites have completed the final testing milestone ahead of launch into a Sun Synchronous orbit later this year.
Image Copyright: Tamara Bertels