The successful validation of two data relay satellites’ optical intersatellite connections (OISLs) in low Earth orbit (LEO) has been announced by Kepler Communications, a company that develops Internet connectivity for space.
Kepler deployed optical intersatellite communications between two Pathfinder satellites outfitted with Tesat SCOT80 optical terminals that are compatible with the Space Development Agency (SDA) throughout the commissioning and early operations phase. In order to showcase technology for the company’s space data relay network, The Kepler Network, the two satellites were launched in November 2023. In recent weeks, the optical testing program was initiated following spacecraft commissioning and a thorough examination of Pathfinder systems.
“Kepler is pleased to have made major strides toward building the essential Internet infrastructure required to address the growing demands for data in space. The OISL accomplishment is a credit to the diligence, tenacity, and intelligence of the Kepler team, according to CEO and co-founder Mina Mitry. The Kepler Network will function as a data transport layer, revolutionizing space communications as we know it by bringing contemporary Internet capabilities to space through an interoperable architecture.”
The company has demonstrated Internet Protocol (IP) mesh networking in orbit in addition to commissioning the first optical link. It achieved this by utilizing standard protocols like Secure Shell (SSH), Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), and User Datagram Protocol (UDP) to communicate in real time with multiple satellites over a single ground link.
Kepler anticipates providing its first optical services in 2025 and is already scaling up operations to launch the first Tranche of its next-generation constellation. By utilizing flight legacy from Kepler’s current constellation of 21 RF spacecraft, the hybrid optical data relay network is enhanced. Customers may access space-generated data very instantly thanks to the Kepler Network’s always-available coverage in low-Earth orbit (LEO), which also streamlines on-orbit communications with gigabit throughputs, sub-second end-to-end latency, and onboard processing. Kepler, a modern space communications partner, was founded in 2015 and has rapidly expanded into a worldwide space firm that offers secure optical data relay services to both government and commercial missions.
IA Ventures, Costanoa Ventures, Canaan Partners, Tribe Capital, BDC Capital’s Industrial Innovation Venture Fund, and other prominent investors are among the company’s backers. In addition, the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) provided funding to finish the Pathfinder technology.
