Kleos Space dispatches scouting mission satellites to India ready for launch

Kleos Space SA (ASX:KSS) has dispatched its four scouting mission nanosatellites to Chennai, India, in preparation for launch aboard polar satellite launch vehicle (PSLV) C49 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre. On arrival in India, the satellites will undergo a system checkout and mechanical inspection prior to battery charging and fuelling, then will be armed for flight and integrated onto the PSLV. Kleos chief executive officer Andy Bowyer said: “Our Scouting Mission satellites are the foundation of our future constellation, which will deliver unprecedented situational awareness at sea with near real-time coverage over key regions of maritime interest including the Strait of Hormuz, South China Sea and African coast.” “The shipping of satellites and their ground support equipment to the launch pad is a key milestone and confirms launch is imminent.” Geolocation data Bowyer said: “After launch, our satellites will commence their Launch and Early Orbit Phase (LEOP) which is one of the most critical phases of a mission. “Spacecraft operations engineers take control of the satellites after launch vehicle separation, up to the time when the satellites are safely established in their final orbit.” The satellites will be launched into a 37-degree inclination orbit, delivering information over crucial shipping regions and the independent geolocation data will assist the detection of hidden maritime activity, such as piracy, drug and people smuggling and illegal fishing.