Kepler offers a hybrid RF and optical satellite network to overcome on-orbit data downlink bottlenecks. Their constellation acts as internet exchange points, providing high-bandwidth, real-time data relay for Earth observation, defense, and other space missions.
Funding
$92M raised to dateRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
Founders
Product
Problem
The increasing volume of data generated by space-based assets is creating a significant downlink bottleneck, limiting real-time access for critical missions. Traditional communication methods struggle to provide the necessary bandwidth and flexibility to support the growing demands of Earth observation, defense, human spaceflight, and space sustainability initiatives.
Solution
Kepler provides a hybrid RF and optical network designed to modernize on-orbit communications and address the downlink bottleneck. The Kepler Network utilizes a constellation of satellites acting as internet exchange points for space-to-space data relay, enabling flexible, high-bandwidth solutions. This infrastructure facilitates real-time data access for a variety of space missions by offering advanced connectivity options. The company's approach integrates proven optical technology with modern internet protocols to deliver efficient and reliable data transfer.
Target Audience
Kepler serves government and commercial entities involved in Earth Observation, Defense & Intelligence, Human Space Flight, and Space Sustainability sectors that require high-bandwidth, real-time data access from space.
Features
- Hybrid RF and optical network architecture for versatile on-orbit communications.
- Constellation of satellites designed as internet exchange points for space-to-space data relay.
- Optical inter-satellite links (OISLs) utilizing Tesat SCOT80 optical terminals.
- Demonstration of IP mesh networking on orbit with standard internet and network protocols.
- Space Development Agency (SDA)-compatible optical technology for data relay.
- On-orbit compute capabilities offered as a service for customers.
- TCP/IP protocol stack enabling internet connectivity in space.
- Ku-band software-defined radio payloads for reconfigurable communication.