Kepler

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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Kepler Communications has appointed astronaut and author Chris Hadfield as company advisor to support its mission of providing real-time space connectivity. The Toronto-based firm, known for building Internet infrastructure for orbit, said Hadfield will guide customer and partner engagement while advising leadership on communications for human spaceflight.

“Every mission depends on communication as the backbone to keep humans connected, informed, and safe,” Hadfield said. CEO Mina Mitry noted Hadfield’s experience commanding the International Space Station brings invaluable insight as Kepler expands into the crewed missions market and supports the next era of commercial space operations.

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Toronto-based Kepler Communications has secured a multi-year contract with Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) to demonstrate real-time data sharing and connectivity for continental defence, including the Arctic. The project will test technologies that integrate communications, sensing, and command and control using Kepler’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) network as a communication backbone.

CEO Mina Mitry said the company is “delivering the future of real-time connectivity for Canada’s Arctic.” Launching in 2026, Kepler’s first relay satellites will test encrypted optical links between space and northern ground terminals, supporting Canada’s efforts to strengthen sovereignty and security in remote regions.

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Toronto-based Kepler Communications has unveiled a new offering that allows customers to lease or buy edge computing hardware onboard its optical relay satellites, enabling real-time data processing in space. The initiative, supported by its Kepler Network constellation, marks a milestone in on-orbit cloud computing.

Axiom Space will deploy two initial nodes via Kepler’s network to support its orbital data center ambitions. The strategic partnership could enhance mission autonomy, AI capabilities, and secure data relay for civil, commercial, and national security clients. The first Kepler satellites will launch in late 2025.

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