Rocket Lab successfully launched its 59th Electron mission as it deployed five satellites to Low Earth Orbit (IoT) for IoT constellation operator Kinéis.
The ‘IOT 4 You and Me’ mission was launched from New Zealand on 9th February, deploying five satellites to LEO. The mission was Rocket Lab’s first Electron launch of this year, fourth for Kinéis, and 59th Electron launch overall.
“That’s four launches done and one still to go for Kinéis, then we’ll have deployed their entire constellation in less than a year. It’s not uncommon for constellation operators to wait longer than that for their first launch, let alone have a full constellation deployed and operating. Once again Electron has shown its strength as a pinpoint accurate constellation launcher that lets customers tailor missions and schedules to their needs,” said Sir Peter Beck, Founder and CEO, Rocket Lab.
“Producing 25 nanosatellites and launching them into orbit in just eight months is an unprecedented feat—and above all, a remarkable challenge! With this fourth and penultimate launch, Kinéis moves one step closer to its ambitious goal: delivering global IoT coverage through a complete constellation of 25 nanosatellites,” added Michel Sarthou, CTO, Kinéis. “This milestone showcases the expertise and determination of our teams and partners like Rocket Lab. We are deeply grateful for the unwavering support and commitment we have received since Kinéis was founded.”
The Kinéis constellation is designed to make it possible to connect and locate any connected object anywhere in the world, enabling data transmission to users in near-real time, at low bit rates and with very low energy consumption. By enabling Internet connection to the Earth’s most remote locations, Kinéis’ constellation can support forest fire detection, water resource management, infrastructure and energy network monitoring, transport and logistics tracking, and more.
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