Next set of satellites propelled by Rocket Lab for Kinéis orbiting network
Rocket Lab USA successfully launched its 59th Electron mission on February 9, 2025, from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 in Mahia, New Zealand. This mission, designated as 59Electron, marked the fourth launch for Kineis, a French Internet of Things (IoT) constellation operator, and the first Electron launch of 2025.
The mission deployed five satellites to a 647 km low Earth orbit, bringing Kineis one step closer to its goal of delivering global IoT coverage through a complete constellation of 25 nanosatellites. According to Michel Sarthou, the CTO of Kineis, producing 25 nanosatellites and launching them into orbit in just eight months is an unprecedented feat.
With this fourth and penultimate launch, Kineis moves a significant step forward in its mission to connect and locate any connected object anywhere in the world. The Kineis constellation, designed for near-real-time data transmission, low bit rates, and very low energy consumption, can support various applications such as forest fire detection, water resource management, infrastructure and energy network monitoring, transport and logistics tracking, and more.
Peter Beck, the founder and CEO of Rocket Lab, stated that Electron has shown its strength as a pinpoint accurate constellation launcher that allows customers to tailor missions and schedules to their needs. The collaboration between Kineis and Rocket Lab showcases the expertise and determination of both teams and partners.
The specific launch window and customer details for the next Electron launch, scheduled for February, will be announced in the coming days. The launch date for the fifth Kineis launch is yet to be announced but is expected to be revealed in the coming weeks.
While there are no search results directly detailing the timeline for Kineis' global IoT coverage rollout, similar initiatives and satellite IoT constellations typically involve phased launches over a span of a few years, followed by progressive activation and operational scaling. Based on industry standards, Kineis' full constellation deployment, which began around 2021-2022, is expected to be completed within 3-4 years, circa 2024-2025.
For the most precise and current information, consulting Kineis’ official announcements or recent press releases would be necessary. Once the remaining launch is completed, Kineis will have deployed its entire constellation in less than a year, as stated by Peter Beck.
Science and technology played crucial roles in the fourth Kineis launch, as Rocket Lab's Electron, a testament to modern rocketry, was used to deploy nanosatellites designed for the Kineis space-and-astronomy constellation. This constellation, awaiting its fifth launch, is expected to revolutionize IoT connectivity and data transmission, serving varied applications and kick-starting its global coverage rollout.
