Rocket Lab USA, a leading provider of launch services and space systems, successfully completed its 53rd Electron mission today, deploying five satellites into Low Earth Orbit for the French Internet-of-Things (IoT) company Kinéis. The mission, titled “Kinéis Killed the RadIOT Star,” launched from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 in Mahia, New Zealand, at 11:01 a.m. NZST on September 21 (23:01 UTC, September 20), placing the satellites into a 643 km orbit.
This launch marks the second of five dedicated Electron missions for Kinéis, which is supported by both private and public investors, including France’s CNES (Centre National d’Études Spatiales) and CLS (Collecte Localisation Satellites). The Kinéis constellation aims to enhance global IoT connectivity, enabling the connection and tracking of any device worldwide. This facilitates near-real-time data transmission at low bit rates and minimal energy consumption. The constellation can support various applications, such as forest fire detection, water resource management, infrastructure monitoring, and logistics tracking.
Rocket Lab founder and CEO Sir Peter Beck stated, “Today’s successful launch marks another milestone for Rocket Lab as we continue to enable innovative companies like Kinéis to push the boundaries of global IoT connectivity. With each mission, we are bringing the world closer together, allowing vital data to be transmitted from the remotest corners of the Earth.”
With this launch, Rocket Lab has now deployed a total of 197 satellites across its 53 missions, serving a diverse range of customers and objectives, including NASA missions to the Moon, national security operations for the National Reconnaissance Office and Space Force, and scientific research initiatives aimed at combating climate change.
