Space logistics company D-Orbit has signed a launch and deployment contract with Kepler Communications.
The contract covers the launch of two 6U telecommunications satellites on D-Orbit’s orbital transfer vehicle, the ION Satellite Carrier. After launch, which is scheduled for Q1 2023, the ION will release the satellite on a 500-600 km Sun Synchronous Orbit (SSO).
Speaking about the contract, Renato Panesi, D-Orbit’s Chief Commercial Officer, said: “We are proud to partner with Kepler, a company that is leading the way in implementing high-performance satellite constellations to bring the internet to space. We believe our two companies share a common vision for the future of the space data industry, and we are confident that there will be further opportunities for synergistic collaborations in the future.”
The two satellites will carry Kepler’s Ku-band and S-band payloads to test and validate technology that will enable inter-satellite communication and high-capacity data downlinking for the company’s next generation of satellites. Kepler is creating the infrastructure needed to support the current and future communication needs of the space industry by bringing the internet to space. The Kepler Network will provide constant connectivity to space assets, allowing mission-critical data to be received in real-time to amplify access to space-generated data.
Diane Burchett, Vice President of Engineering for Kepler, added: “We are proud to partner with D-Orbit in the launch and deployment of our two newest satellites leading the development of our next-generation Aether constellation. The Kepler Network will provide real-time, always-on communication to satellites and other space-borne assets for our customers.”
D-Orbit is currently going through a special purpose acquisition (SPAC) merger with Breeze Holdings Acquisition Corp.
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