The Scouting Mission four satellites will launch from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre aboard PSLV C49 - a rideshare launch including satellites from other organisations such as Spire Global - into a 37-degree inclination delivering optimised revisit rates over crucial shipping regions including the Strait of Hormuz, South China Sea and East and West African coasts.

Kleos says that while launch preparations are underway, it remains focused on securing additional Government and commercial pre-order contracts, and is on track to achieve first revenues in Q1 2020.

According to Kleos, the development of its second cluster of satellites will enhance data collection and increase revenues and customers.

Kleos’ Scouting Mission satellites will geolocate maritime radio frequency transmissions to provide global activity-based intelligence irrespective of the presence of AIS (Automatic Identification Systems) or any other positioning system - or when imagery is unclear and targets are out of maritime patrol range.

Kleos says the geolocation data will enable governments and organisations to detect hidden maritime activity such as drug and people smuggling, piracy and illegal fishing as well as identify those in need of search and rescue at sea.

“Satellite launches are highly complex, requiring extensive pre-flight testing of critical functions that cannot be fast-tracked without compromising the mission,” said Kleos CEO Andy Bowyer.

“Our Scouting Mission satellites are mission ready, forming the foundation of future constellations when they launch in December, we are on track to generate first revenues in Q1 2020.”