Kepler Communications reports that it has completed the successful launch of the first tranche of its optical relay satellite constellation.
The launch, conducted aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 from Vandenberg Space Force Base, included 10 satellites of approximately 300kg each, equipped with optical inter-satellite terminals and onboard computing capabilities designed to support low-latency data transfer and edge processing in space.
Once commissioned, the network will aim to provide real-time connectivity and data relay services for commercial and government users.
Kepler said the constellation will support applications including Earth observation, hosted payloads and secure data routing, with future tranches planned to expand capacity and introduce higher-bandwidth optical technologies.
