Rocket Lab Successfully Deploys Satellites for Kinéis’ Global IoT Constellation

• Chinmay
• February 11, 2025
• Internet of Things, News
• Electron Rocket, IoT Connectivity, IoT satellites, Kinéis, Low Earth Orbit, nanosatellites, Remote Monitoring, Rocket Lab, Satellite Internet, Space-based IoT, SpaceX alternatives
• 0 Comments

Rocket Lab USA, a leading provider of launch services and space systems, has completed its 59th Electron mission, successfully deploying five satellites into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) for Kinéis, a French Internet of Things (IoT) constellation operator. This marks a significant step towards achieving Kinéis’ vision of global IoT connectivity.

A Strategic Launch for IoT Connectivity

The mission, aptly named “IOT 4 You and Me,” lifted off from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 in Mahia, New Zealand, on February 9 at 9:43 AM NZDT (20:43 UTC). The five deployed satellites reached a 647 km orbit, bringing Kinéis closer to its full constellation of 25 nanosatellites.

This launch is Rocket Lab’s first Electron mission of 2025, the fourth launch for Kinéis, and a testament to the rapid expansion of IoT satellite networks. With only one more launch left, Kinéis is on track to complete its constellation within a year, a milestone rarely achieved by satellite operators in such a short period.

Leadership Perspectives on the Milestone

Peter Beck, Founder and CEO of Rocket Lab, highlighted the efficiency of Electron for deploying satellite constellations:

“That’s four launches done and one still to go for Kinéis, 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.”

Michel Sarthou, CTO of Kinéis, emphasized the significance of this achievement:

“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, Kinéis 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 Kinéis was founded.”

Transforming IoT with Space-Based Connectivity

Kinéis’ constellation is designed to connect and locate IoT-enabled objects worldwide with low-bit rate data transmission and minimal energy consumption. By enabling internet access in remote and unconnected areas, Kinéis’ network can support a variety of applications, including:

• Forest fire detection
• Water resource management
• Infrastructure and energy network monitoring
• Transport and logistics tracking
• Environmental monitoring

Future Launches & Expansion

The final Kinéis launch in this series will be announced in the coming weeks. Additionally, Rocket Lab has confirmed another Electron launch scheduled for February, with details about the payload and customer to be disclosed soon.

This mission solidifies the role of small satellite launches in the rapidly evolving NewSpace sector and demonstrates how satellite IoT can revolutionize global connectivity. As IoT adoption surges, Kinéis’ constellation will play a vital role in enhancing real-time data collection and improving decision-making across various industries.