Kepler Communications announces successful launch of 2 new GEN1 satellites, creating the largest constellation by a Canadian company
Press release from: Kepler Communications
Published: Monday, March 22, 2021
Kepler Communications welcomed two new satellites to their constellation today, further expanding the active constellation to a total of 15 satellites. These two satellites, KEPLER-6 and KEPLER-7, were successfully launched by Soyuz 2 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome as part of the CAS500-1 mission at approximately 2:07 a.m. EDT. Once fully operational within the constellation, they will add additional capacity to Kepler’s global data services, while making Kepler Communications the Canadian leader in the number of satellites in space.
Kepler’s GEN1 satellites were assembled at the Kepler facility in Toronto. The GEN1 platform is an evolution beyond Kepler’s satellites, with an increase to the 6U-XL satellite system. The increased size accommodates significant technological improvements, including additional power options and antennas, which allows the maintenance of Ku and narrowband spectrum from a single satellite. This multispectral support is achieved with Kepler’s own software-defined radio (SDR), which has been proven on board the thirteen satellites that are already in orbit.
Wen Cheng Chong, Chief Technical Officer of Kepler Communications, added: “These spacecraft carry improved narrowband payload that is fully designed, built and internally integrated in the weeks leading up to the launch of our last batch in January. The new payload allows Kepler to use our spectrum feed and quickly conduct orbit experiments for different narrowband frequencies to determine the best combination of frequencies to provide a globally harmonized IoT service. In addition, these spacecraft also help increase network capacity and reduce data latency for our global data service. The fast iteration cycle clearly demonstrates the team’s efforts 10 times, which challenge the norm in the satellite industry. “
Jeffrey Osbourne, vice president of strategy and business development, said of this upcoming launch: “We are excited to introduce a new generation of satellite services as the largest satellite fleet operator in Canada. Today it demonstrates our aggressive growth and rapid innovation. Our customers near and far will be the beneficiaries of our continuously improved, Canadian-built innovation. “
In anticipation of this important moment, Kepler received a series of video messages from partners, clients, investors and friends, which you can see on our website here.
FOR KEPLER COMMUNICATIONS Inc.
Kepler is a Canada-based satellite telecommunications provider supported by Costanoa Ventures, IA Ventures and other leading investors. Kepler’s mission is to connect people and things everywhere, on earth and beyond. To this end, Kepler will build a telecommunications network in space through the gradual introduction of products and technologies. The first to launch and operate the Ku-band satellite service in low Earth orbit, Kepler expanded its capabilities with the successful commissioning of a cubsat production facility at its Toronto headquarters, which supplies the GEN 1 satellites. For more information, visit www. kepler.space and @KeplerComms
Contact Kepler Communications:
Nathan Robinson
Director, Sales and Marketing
Kepler Communications Inc.
Phone: + 1-437-637-0026
Email: nrobinson@kepler.space
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