Kleos data to help Japan identify illegal activity in its waters

Space Connect reports that Kleos will use its space-based surveillance capabilities to help the Japanese government identify illegal activity in its waters. The news follows a partnership agreement between the Australian satellite technology business and Japan Space Imaging Corporation (JSI).

Kleos’ chief revenue officer, Eric von Eckartsberg, said, “We are excited to be partnering with JSI, who brings more than two decades’ experience serving the Japanese customers with space-based surveillance and data intelligence products.

“Japan’s vast coastline stretches more than 18,480 miles (30,000km), providing significant border protection challenges for Japanese authorities”.

Kleos, a space-powered radio frequency reconnaissance data provider, launched its first two satellite clusters in November 2020. The Kleos Scouting Mission (KSM1) launched into a 37-degree inclination and provides coverage over key areas of maritime interest including the South China Sea and Strait of Hormuz.

Kleos launched its second cluster of four satellites, the Vigilance Mission (KSF1), at the end of June.

Launched into a 525-kilometres sun synchronous orbit from Cape Canaveral in Florida, the four Polar Vigilance satellites are currently progressing through the Launch and Early Orbit Phase (LEOP) and commissioning phase.

Kleos’ third satellite cluster, the Patrol Mission, is scheduled to launch at the end of 2021 onboard a SpaceX Falcon 9.

“Kleos uses clusters of four satellites to collect radio transmissions over key areas of interest around the globe and after processing a geospatial data product is delivered to analytics and intelligence entities for government and commercial use – efficiently uncovering the locations of human activity on land and sea,” the business said in a statement.