Rocket Lab launched its 59th Electron mission, deploying five satellites to Low Earth Orbit for French Internet-of-Things (IoT) constellation operator Kineis. Photo / Supplied
Rocket Lab launched its 59th Electron mission, deploying five satellites to Low Earth Orbit for French Internet-of-Things (IoT) constellation operator Kineis. Photo / Supplied
Rocket Lab successfully launched its 59th Electron mission on Sunday, deploying five satellites.
The “IOT 4 You and Me” mission lifted off from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 in Mahia at 9.43am deploying the satellites to a 647km low Earth orbit.
The mission was Rocket Lab’s first Electron launch this year, and 59th Electron launch overall.
Rocket Lab founder, chief executive and chief engineer Sir Peter Beck. Photo / Carson Bluck
Rocket Lab founder and chief executive Sir Peter Beck said the latest launch was its fourth out of five for Kineis, with plans for the fifth launch to be announced in the coming weeks.
“That’s four launches done and one still to go for Kineis, 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.”
Rocket Lab launched its 59th Electron mission, deploying five satellites to Low Earth Orbit for French Internet-of-Things (IoT) constellation operator Kinéis. Photo / Supplied
Kineis CTO Michel Sarthou said: “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, Kineis moves one step closer to its ambitious goal: delivering global IoT coverage through a complete constellation of 25 nanosatellites.
“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 Kineis was founded.”
The Kineis 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.
Rocket Lab launched its 59th Electron mission, deploying five satellites to Low Earth Orbit for French Internet-of-Things (IoT) constellation operator Kineis. Photo / Supplied
By enabling internet connection to the Earth’s most remote locations, Kineis constellation can support forest fire detection, water resource management, infrastructure and energy network monitoring, transport and logistics tracking, and much more.
The next Electron launch is scheduled for lift-off later this month, with details to be announced in the coming days.
