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Safran on board the Kinéis constellation for the Internet of Things
Thursday 20 June 2024 marked a decisive turning point for the Internet of Things (IoT), with the launch of Kinéis, the first European constellation dedicated to the IoT. With 25 nanosatellites and 20 ground stations, this system is revolutionising global connectivity and opening up new opportunities across a wide range of sectors.
A constellation, a technological jewel “made in France”
The ambitious Kinéis project is the result of collaboration between several leading lights in the French space industry. The system architecture and payload development has been entrusted to Thales Alenia Space, with the hardware subcontracted to Syrlinks, a Safran Electronics & Defense company based in Rennes, and the design and construction of the nano-satellites to Hemeria. CNES (Centre National d'Études Spatiales) is providing its technical expertise to ensure the smooth operation of the satellite system in orbit (constellation control centre).
The pioneering contribution of Syrlinks and Thales Alenia Space
Syrlinks is playing a crucial role for Kinéis by developing the hardware platform for the data collection instruments on behalf of Thales Alenia Space. Three pieces of equipment for the constellation's satellites have been jointly developed: an ultra-high frequency (UHF) IoT receiver, an automatic identification system (AIS) receiver and a UHF/S band transmitter.
The IoT payload collects messages transmitted by IoT terminals and can also send short messages to these same terminals. The AIS payload is dedicated to the maritime automatic identification system, an anti-collision system that provides information about a vessel's identity, status and position. Finally, the S-band transmitter sends data to the 20 ground stations of the Kinéis system. Thanks to a significant advance in miniaturisation, the weight of these instruments has been significantly reduced, while maintaining the same functionalities.
Jean-Marie Bétermier, President of Syrlinks and EVP SPACE - Safran Electronics & Defense, expressed his enthusiasm:
"The successful launch of the Kinéis constellation is a source of immense pride for Syrlinks, and represents a major step forward in IoT. We are determined to continue to innovate, tackle technological challenges and transform global connectivity from space."
Global connectivity
Kinéis aims to connect several million objects around the world. This satellite-based location and connectivity service is easy to use and affordable, accessible to both professionals and consumers. The global coverage of this service opens the way to applications such as the prevention of natural hazards (detection of forest fires, flooding, drought, pollution, etc.), the traceability of wild and farm animals, the monitoring of infrastructures and energy networks, the tracking of transport and logistics, as well as commercial and scientific maritime activities.
Promising development prospects
The successful launch of Kinéis opens up new prospects for Syrlinks, in particular the deployment of solutions that can be easily adapted to other programmes and uses. By connecting millions of objects around the world, this constellation meets growing monitoring and management needs, while opening up new economic and technological opportunities.
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