Photo: Kleos Space

Kleos Space has signed new contracts with satellite builder Innovative Solutions in Space (ISISPACE) and global launch services provider Spaceflight to build and manage the launch its fourth satellite cluster of four satellites, the Observer Mission (KSF3) in mid-2022, the company announced Oct. 19.

Kleos successfully launched its Scouting Mission and Vigilance Mission satellites in November 2020 and June 2021 respectively. Its Patrol Mission satellites are progressing through the build process and on track for an expected January 2022 launch onboard a SpaceX Falcon 9. ISISPACE also manufactured the Scouting and Vigilance satellites.

Identical to the upcoming Patrol Mission satellites, the Observer Mission will provide increased capacity and more frequent revisit times. Kleos’ satellites detect and geolocate Radio Frequency (RF) transmissions. This geolocation data is used to detect illegal activity, including piracy, drug and people smuggling, border security challenges and illegal fishing.

“We are rapidly building our constellation, utilizing funds from our recent capital raise to commit to our fourth satellite cluster build and launch. Each new launch enables us to improve satellite data collection and increase revisits over key areas of interest for our customers. The Observer Mission increases the revenue opportunity from existing subscribers and caters to the needs of our growing global pipeline,” Kleos Space CEO Andy Bowyer said in a statement.