Rocket Lab Completes Constellation Deployment for Kinéis
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rocket Lab successfully finalized the deployment of an Internet-of-Things (IoT) satellite network for the French firm Kinéis with a launch on March 17.
An Electron rocket ascended from Pad A at Rocket Lab’s Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand at 9:31 p.m. Eastern time. The mission’s payload, consisting of five satellites for Kinéis, was released by the rocket’s kick stage into sun-synchronous orbits at an altitude of 650 kilometers, just over an hour after liftoff.
Final Launch Completes Five-Mission Contract
This launch represented the fifth and concluding mission under a contract formalized by the two organizations in 2021. Each mission transported five satellites, each weighing 28 kilograms, culminating in the full 25-satellite constellation. These launches commenced in June 2024, followed by subsequent missions in September and November 2024, and on February 8.
Kinéis IoT Services Set to Commence
The newly deployed satellites are designed to deliver Internet-of-Things (IoT) communication services and monitor maritime traffic utilizing Automatic Identification System (AIS) transponders. Kinéis intends to initiate commercial operations with the constellation on June 1, providing data with a maximum latency of 15 minutes.
Executive Perspectives
Christophe Vassal, chairman of Kinéis’ supervisory board, stated that this launch, the culmination of five missions, marks the conclusion of an intensive project undertaken with partners like Rocket Lab. He added that deploying their dedicated IoT constellation in under a year is a significant achievement, ushering in a new era for Kinéis where data from the network will create numerous opportunities for clients.
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Rocket Lab’s Rapid Launch Cadence
For Rocket Lab, this mission was the second launch within a 72-hour period. Prior to this, another Electron rocket launched a radar imaging satellite for the Japanese company iQPS on March 14. This Kinéis mission marks Rocket Lab’s fourth launch this year. The company has previously announced its intention to conduct over 20 Electron launches in the current year, including missions utilizing the HASTE suborbital variant.
Dedicated Launches Provide Flexibility
Peter Beck, Rocket Lab’s chief executive, emphasized the speed and efficiency of the Kinéis deployment. He noted that while many constellation operators face lengthy waits for their initial missions, Rocket Lab deployed Kinéis’ complete constellation in under a year with fully dedicated launches. This approach allowed Kinéis to select the launch site, date, and orbital parameters, optimizing coverage for each of their 25 spacecraft.
Electron’s Role in Constellation Deployment
Rocket Lab highlighted that all Electron missions this year, including those for iQPS and the imaging firm BlackSky, have supported customers deploying satellite constellations. The company contends that Electron is ideally suited for deploying constellations, providing enhanced control over orbital placements and launch schedules, even amidst the rise of lower-cost rideshare options from providers like SpaceX.