Kleos Space S.A. (ASX: KSS, Frankfurt: KS1) has engaged Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT) as a ground station service provider.
KSAT is a leading provider of communication services for spacecraft and launch vehicles with an extensive and uniquely located global ground network. KSAT provides advanced monitoring services.
The appointment marks the next milestone toward revenue (ASX: 13/5/2019) generation, commencing post commissioning of the Kleos’ Scouting Mission satellites1 . Kleos’ satellites will initially transmit observation data to the KSAT downlink ground station Svalbard in Norway. Kleos will have access to additional ground stations within the KSAT network, currently consisting of 15 locations worldwide through the KSAT Lite platform, which can provide back-up facilities and enlarged flexibility for Kleos.
Andy Bowyer, CEO of Kleos Space said that one of the keys to the company’s success lies in the choice of technological partners and the firm has appointed Kongsberg as they are one of the world leaders for data reception and near real time Earth Observation services. Kleos is proud to work with Kongsberg, with 50 years’ experience in a fast growing and challenging industry and environment.
1The 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 is unclear, or targets are out of patrol range. The first scouting mission is comprised of 4x smallsats built by GomSpace in Denmark.