Rocket Lab Launches Five New Satellites for Kinéis

Rocket Lab’s successful mission “IoT 4 You and Me” lifted off aboard the Electron rocket on February 8th, 2024, at 20:43 UTC from Launch Complex 1 (LC-1), Pad B, in New Zealand. The mission carried the fourth batch of five satellites for the French Kinéis IoT constellation.

Lift-off! #IoT4YouandMe is on its way to space pic.twitter.com/33gxwlD1gb
— Rocket Lab (@RocketLab) February 8, 2025

The constellation is a key initiative by Kinéis, a company founded by the French government’s space agency CNES (Centre National d’Études Spatiales), and historically operated by CLS (Collecte Localisation Satellites). This ambitious project aims to enhance global IoT connectivity, ensuring more reliable and efficient data transmission across the globe.

“Last year we launched dedicated three missions for Kinéis, deploying 15 satellites to precise and tailored orbits to get the constellation up and running rapidly. We’re excited to continue the relationship in 2025 with our first mission off the pad for the year.”

— Peter Beck, Rocket Lab founder and CEO

A rapidly deployed constellation

In 2024, Kinéis reached a decisive stage in the rollout of its system. Following the industrialization process, which began in March of the same year, and the collaboration with Semtech announced on May 23, the Toulouse-based company successfully launched the first of five launches on June 20.

This marked the beginning of a series of successful launches, establishing the first European constellation dedicated to the Internet of Things (IoT).

A Kinéis nano-satellite under construction in Toulouse. It weighs just 28 kg and has a wingspan of 1.60 m. Credits: Kinéis — *A Kinéis nano-satellite is under construction in Toulouse. It weighs just 28 kg and has a wingspan of 1.60 m. Credits: Kinéis*

Regarding the satellites, engineers made no major changes to their products. Positioned in low Earth orbit, at 650 km of altitude, Kinéis satellites are distributed across 5 orbital planes. The Automatic Identification System (AIS) technology remains central to the company’s focus, playing a critical role in natural risk prevention, energy networks, logistics, and maritime activities.

With 40 years of experience with the ARGOS system, Kinéis managed to manufacture the advanced satellites with a weight of only 28 kg each and boast a 16U form factor, along with 6 solar panels generating 140 W of power. Their high performance ensures that data transmission between a Kinéis satellite and a ground device takes a maximum of just 15 minutes.

Kinéis announces the departure of its CEO

Under Alexandre Tisserant’s leadership, Kinéis has achieved significant milestones, including developing cutting-edge technology, successfully launching its initial satellites, and establishing major strategic and commercial partnerships.

Alexandre Tisserant during the SATELLITE Conference and Exhibition 2022. Credits: Ambassade the France — *Alexandre Tisserant during the SATELLITE Conference and Exhibition 2022. Credits: Ambassade de France*

“I am proud to leave Kinéis after many exciting years filled with collective success and ambitious projects. I am confident that the company is now solidly positioned to continue its growth and development.”

— Alexandre Tisserant, CEO of Kineis

The company is now transitioning toward a business model centered on commercial and product development, marking a significant step in its evolution.

Christophe Vassal, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, will oversee the transition period, supported by the fully committed Kinéis Executive Committee to ensure a smooth handover. The succession process has been finalized, and the name of the new CEO will be announced in Q1 2025.