The satellites launched into polar orbit from Cape Canaveral in Florida, US, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The mission launched 88 small satellites in total as part of the so-called Transporter 2 rideshare programme.

“Kleos is now establishing contact with the satellites to commence commissioning,” the company said in a press release. “The Polar Vigilance satellites further enhance Kleos’ global coverage and data collection capability and broaden the coverage range of Kleos’ first cluster of four Kleos Scouting Mission (KSM1) satellites.”

The first cluster was launched in November last year with a third cluster expected to launch before the end of this year, also aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9.

“Kleos satellites collect data that is then processed to detect and geolocate radio frequency activity to improve the detection of hidden and illegal activities including piracy, drug and people smuggling, border security challenges and illegal fishing,” the company said.

Kleos plans to launch up to 20 clusters of satellites to provide global coverage.

“I would like to congratulate Kleos on their second satellite launch,” said Luxembourg Space Agency CEO Marc Serres in a . “This achievement also is a major step in Kleos’ commercial development.”

Kleos is one of the “key players of Luxembourg’s booming space ecosystem,” Serres said.