Kepler Launches First Optical Relay Satellites Taking Cloud-Style Networking to Orbit

Kepler Communications has launched the first tranche of its optical data-relay satellites, marking the transition of its laser-based relay network from development into early operational service. The 10 satellites were deployed aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 from Vandenberg.

Each ~300 kg spacecraft is equipped with high-capacity optical (laser) terminals and on-orbit compute, including multi-GPU processing and terabytes of storage. Together, they form an in-space relay layer capable of low-latency data transport, secure routing, and edge processing, effectively creating a cloud environment in orbit.

Kepler’s system will act as a space-based backhaul and data-relay layer, complementing LEO constellations, Earth-observation satellites, and future NTN architectures that require near-real-time data delivery. By reducing reliance on sparse ground stations, optical relay networks like Kepler’s are increasingly seen as a key enabler for multi-orbit interoperability, resilient space networks, and sovereign missions.

Kepler says future tranches will scale capacity and introduce 100 Gbps optical links while maintaining backward compatibility, positioning the network as a foundational layer for next-generation space connectivity, hosted payloads, and data-intensive applications aligned with emerging global standards.

SOURCE: https://kepler.space/kepler-successfully-launches-first-tranche-of-optical-relay-satellites/