US orbital launch provider, Rocket Lab, successfully launched its Electron rocket from its launch site in New Zealand on 11 November, reaching orbit a second time and deploying more payloads. Kleos Space signed a contract with Rocket Lab in September 2018 to launch the Company’s scouting mission satellites that will geolocate maritime radio to guard borders, protect assets and save lives.

Andy Bowyer, CEO of Kleos Space said this first commercial launch reinforced Kleos’ decision to partner with Rocket Lab who has established a dominant position in the fast-growing small launcher market : “We are impressed by the precision with which Rocket Lab carried out its first commercial flight into orbital position this weekend and look forward to further successful missions in 2019. I would like to congratulate the Rocket Lab team for their state-of-the-art expertise and dedication to enabling operators using small satellite technology to access space in a reliable, affordable and rapid way.”

The multi-satellite system of the Kleos Scouting Mission (KSM) will form the cornerstone of a 20-system constellation that will geolocate VHF transmissions from marine vessels to provide global activity-based intelligence data as a service.

Built by GomSpace, the Kleos Space satellites are scheduled to launch on an Electron rocket from Launch Complex-1 in the second quarter of 2019. The satellites will be integrated into Rocket Lab’s in-house designed and built Maxwell dispensers and deployed from the Electron kick stage to low Earth orbit. Rocket Lab’s unique kick stage, powered by the 3D printed Curie engine, is designed to circularize small satellite orbits and perform complex manoeuvres, including multiple engine burns, to deploy many satellites into different orbits. This provides unmatched mission flexibility, making it ideal for deploying and replenishing constellations.

Kleos Space will participate as an expert to the discussion panels of New Space Europe from 27-28 November 2018 in Luxembourg (Europe), and will be attending AOC Annual Symposium 2018 from 27-29 November in Washington DC (US)

In addition, the Company will attend the Maritime Conference in Singapore on 27-28 November 2018, after which Peter Round (Executive Chairman) will meet with investors in Australia from 29 November to 5 December 2018 to update them on the Company’s progress since its August 2018 IPO.