Kepler Communications has launched the first tranche of its optical relay satellites aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 from Vandenberg Space Force Base, moving its network toward operational service. The deployment includes 10 satellites, each roughly 300 kilograms, equipped with optical terminals and on-orbit computing for low-latency data transfer and secure routing.
Once commissioned, the system will deliver real-time connectivity, edge processing, and hosted payload services. Chief executive Mina Mitry said the launch enables a cloud-like environment in orbit. Customers include Earth-observation operators and Axiom Space, which plans on-orbit data centres.
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