Skynopy, a French space startup specializing in satellite connectivity, has announced a partnership with Kinéis, a satellite IoT operator, to launch its own network of antennas and further develop its efficient and sovereign turnkey satellite connectivity service. This collaboration responds to the growing needs of the space industry.
Just one month after receiving authorization to operate Amazon Web Services’ (AWS) network of 12 ground stations on behalf of its clients, Skynopy is taking another leap forward. The startup is teaming up with Kinéis to speed up the deployment of its global network of satellite antennas. In the short and medium term, Skynopy’s goals are twofold: to strengthen its global expansion and enhance satellite data acquisition for its clients, and to control the entire space value chain.
This project aligns with Skynopy’s core mission, which aims to revolutionize the ground segment, an often overlooked part of the space industry in recent years. As the third pillar of the space value chain, after launchers and satellites, the ground segment has long been underestimated by both public policies and industry players, even though it is essential for data transmission and represents over 20% of mission costs.
Skynopy x Kinéis: Reviving the Space Ground Segment
This partnership emerged naturally. Founded in 2018, Kinéis provides IoT connectivity via satellite and operates its own constellation of 25 nanosatellites. Kinéis’ technology offers low-power, low-cost, and reliable global connectivity, used to track and collect data from fixed or mobile objects located beyond terrestrial network coverage. Meanwhile, the startup is developing a global network of ground stations, maintaining full control over the entire system.
In practical terms, this collaboration will allow Skynopy to leverage Kinéis’ expertise in ground antenna infrastructure, from antenna selection and site installation to technical documentation and licensing. This partnership represents a true strategic cooperation that could eventually lead to a more advanced and comprehensive collaboration.
“Skynopy is addressing the twin challenges of satellite data acquisition and sovereignty in an innovative way, two blind spots in today’s space industry. Combined with our expertise, their economic model and visionary approach will benefit the entire LEO satellite market, which has a critical need for connectivity, all while minimizing the ground footprint,” said Alexandre Tisserant, CEO of Kinéis.
“This collaboration marks a new phase in our development. Its objective is to fill a well-identified gap in the space ecosystem, in order to strengthen the technological independence, economic competitiveness, and autonomous mission capabilities of satellite operators,” concluded Pierre Bertrand, co-founder of Kinéis.
