Kepler is leading the effort with spacecraft constellation design, manufacturing, and operation, building on the technologies in its space segment and existing ground segment.
Kepler Communications has joined forces with TESAT-Spacecom and Airbus Defence and Space to develop a high-bandwidth optical communications network in low Earth orbit (LEO). This strategic alliance is aimed at seizing emerging opportunities such as the European Space Agencys (ESA) High Throughput Optical Network (HydRON) programme, marking a significant milestone in advancing terabit-class optical networking in space.
Led by Kepler, the consortium of companies is poised to deliver real-time optical communications solutions to the market, leveraging the unique strengths of each entity to provide an innovative solution tailored to key opportunities like HydRON. The project aims to showcase the worlds first operational optical multi-orbit transport network, augmenting the capabilities of spaceborne and terrestrial networks alike.
Under the agreement, Kepler will spearhead the initiative, drawing upon its expertise in spacecraft constellation design, manufacturing, and operation. TESAT-Spacecom will contribute its proficiency in space optical and network payload development, while Airbus will leverage its extensive experience in optical communication, providing operational and system engineering expertise as well as access to optical ground stations.
Mina Mitry, Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of Kepler, said: Keplers mission to build the Internet for Space is well-positioned to support HydRONs objective to demonstrate Fibre in the sky, extending Internet connectivity to space. This collaboration enables the development of terabit-per-second data relay in space, with a state-of-the-art optical network architecture that gives European and Canadian forces secure access to spacecraft data with sub-second latency.
Leveraging technology from their LEO optical data relay network, The Kepler Network, Kepler anticipates launching its first full tranche of optical satellites by 2025, delivering services to both commercial and government partners.
TESAT is a technology and market leader in laser communications for space. In a dedicated space factory, a production line for Scalable Optical Terminals (SCOT) is established and delivers flight units of the SCOT series continuously. Since 2016, the company has had operational terminals in orbit, covering distances up to 45,000 km.
Joining forces with Kepler and Airbus accelerates the advancement and adaptation of optical communications, setting the stage for a new era in space communication by providing unprecedented data throughput and reliability, added Thomas Reinartz, CEO at TESAT-Spacecom.
Airbus, renowned for its trusted solutions in the aerospace industry, highlighted the collaboration’s significance in shaping the future of European and global telecommunications.
Our collaboration with Kepler and TESAT on the HydRON opportunity exemplifies our commitment to innovation and our role in shaping the future of European and global telecommunications, commented Philippe Pham, Senior Vice President of Telecoms & Navigation Systems at Airbus. Our team is proud to develop a new generation of optical communications technology in space.
The partnership is dedicated to delivering a comprehensive and compelling proposal to the ESA, driving forward the evolution of optical space and ground network capabilities.
