Soon, a constellation of nano-satellites for IoT communications – IoT

This article was 1st published on our sister Site, The Internet Of All Things.

As part of its efforts to bring about a “revolution” in the field of Internet of Things (IoT) by expanding its use from limited to affordable one across the world, French company Collecte Localisation Satellites (CLS) has announced the setting up of a subsidiary ‘Kineis’. This, it said, was achieved with support from CNES, the French space agency.

An independent, private satellite operator, a connectivity provider, Kineis will provide universal connectivity fully dedicated to the IoT industry.

The statement explained that Kineis connectivity will draw on a new IoT satellite constellation of 20 nanosatellites with a new communication technology tailor-made for connected objects.

Christophe Vassal, Chairman of the CLS Executive Board, said in a statement:

With French excellence in space, the unfailing support of CNES, and key accounts who will be participating in a future round table, we decided to create Kineis to make satellite geolocation and data collection accessible to as many people as possible.”

Alexandre Tisserant, project leader, Kineis, elaborated on its features:

• Any object fitted with a Kineis modem can be located and can transmit data wherever it is, whatever the conditions.
• Kineis connectivity will be simple to integrate into third-party devices, consumes very little power.
• All this will be available at a very competitive price, making it accessible to as many people as possible.
• Kineis will very soon be locating and collecting data from several million connected objects, in real or near-real time.
• The company will become the natural partner for all entrepreneurs seeking to offer their customers an inexpensive satellite-based IoT.

CLS, a subsidiary of CNES, ARDIAN (an independent private investment company that manages and/or advises on $60 billion in assets) and IFREMER, is an international company that has been pioneering the provision of Earth observation and monitoring solutions since 1986.

Thales Alenia Space will develop this constellation for the prime contractor of the complete system. Nexeya will help with its fabrication of nanosatellite platforms and Syrlinks will offer its support in the design and construction of the instrument. The constellation will be in orbit in 2021, the statement read.

By 2030, Kineis plans to connect several million objects around the globe. New Space companies and the general public alike will have access to a global satellite location and connectivity service that is both easy to use and very affordable.

Image Credit: CLS

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