Kepler to Launch for First Optical Data Relay Satellites in January

Kepler Communications will launch the first 10 satellites of its operational optical data relay constellation aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 from Vandenberg in January 2026, marking the start of its high-throughput, SDA-compatible laser communications network.

Each 300-kg satellite carries four+ optical terminals, enabling high-capacity space-to-space, space-to-air, and space-to-ground laser links. The system forms an IP-routed optical mesh in orbit, designed for real-time, low-latency data transfer and full compatibility with U.S. Space Development Agency optical standards, positioning it for government, defence and commercial missions.

Beyond communications, each node delivers on-orbit compute, with distributed GPU/CPU processing and storage for real-time analytics, autonomous operations, and in-orbit AI. A hosted payload architecture lets customers plug sensors or software directly into Kepler’s platform and leverage its optical backbone without building separate spacecraft or ground systems.

The first tranche follows Kepler’s Pathfinder demonstrations of SDA-style optical links. Future tranches will expand capacity and introduce 100-Gbps optical technology, backward compatible with earlier generations and interoperable with emerging ESTOL standards.

The constellation is designed to support real-time Earth observation, human spaceflight connectivity, defence-grade communications, and sovereign space infrastructure initiatives, delivered as a managed service through standard interfaces and SLAs.

SOURCE: https://kepler.space/kepler-announces-launch-date-for-first-tranche-of-optical-satellites/