Successful Launch of Unseenlabs’ Fifth Satellite BRO-5

  • Category

    Launches
  • Publication date

    Jan 14, 2022

A Falcon 9 rocket lifts off from its launch pad, generating a bright plume of fire and thick clouds of smoke. The rocket, painted in black and white, ascends into a clear blue sky, with its first stage visibly separating below. The launch pad structure stands tall on the left, partially illuminated by the glow of the rocket's engines. The ocean is faintly visible in the background, adding to the dramatic scene of space exploration and technological advancement.

Rennes, France – January 14, 2022

This fifth deployment marks another step towards the goal of 20 to 25 satellites in orbit for the European leader in satellite-based geolocation of ships at sea by 2025. On Thursday, 13th January, at 15:25 UTC, SpaceX’s launch vehicle put BRO-5 (Breizh Reconnaissance Orbiter-5) into orbit at an altitude of 550 kilometers via the SpaceX Transporter-3 mission on Falcon 9 launcher.

This fifth launch is a real affirmation of the durability of the Unseenlabs constellation and allows the European leader to further expand its services internationally, in part by reducing its revisit time at each launch. This success enables the French company to start the year 2022 by continuing its growth and innovation through the increase of its service quality.

This fifth deployment, the second in just five months, is a demonstration of Unseenlabs’ expansion dynamic. It is part of the French space strategy, within the France 2030 plan, mentioned by Bruno Le Maire, Minister of Economy, Finance and Recovery, last December.

A pioneering company in the French newspace industry since 2015, Unseenlabs deployed its first nanosatellite in August 2019. From then on, the company was able to provide RF geolocation data of ships at sea to its customers. In April 2021, Unseenlabs announced a €27 million fundraising round to continue its growth.

Watch the BRO-5 launch trailer

Launch window opens on 13th January, 15:25 UTC.

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