TORONTO — Canadian satellite telecommunications provider Kepler Communications announced Tuesday it has signed a launch agreement with Exolaunch for two of Kepler’s next-generation 6U XL satellites.
Described as “a rideshare launch and deployment solutions provider”, Germany-based Exolaunch will provide launch, mission management, integration and deployment services to Kepler’s satellites on a Soyuz rideshare mission, targeted for launch in September 2020, says the news release.
The two new satellites are important installments of Kepler’s development and demonstration platforms, and both carry a high-capacity Ku-band communications system and a prototype Internet of Things (IoT) payload, says the release. The new birds will deliver additional capacity for Kepler’s Global Data Service and a technology demo platform for Kepler’s narrowband connectivity solution for IoT devices.
Exolaunch’s advanced cubesat deployer, EXOpod, is being used to deploy the two satellites into orbit. Exolaunch produced a custom-tailored 16U EXOpod to accommodate Kepler’s 6U XL satellites. With the EXOpod’s ease of operation and flexible design, Kepler’s engineers were able to successfully integrate both satellites at the company’s facilities in Toronto with virtual support from the Exolaunch team, says the news release. Collaborating remotely on the integration was necessary due to current travel restrictions. The satellites will be delivered to a launch site in Russia, where Exolaunch will integrate them on a Soyuz launch vehicle.
“Exolaunch continues to show growth and innovation in launch solutions and is accommodating to the rapid shifts and changes that often accompany our work as a new space company. They demonstrate several qualities that are important when we consider launching our assets, and the combination of both deployment and launcher integration brought in by Exolaunch is something we can trust. We look forward to a successful partnership with Exolaunch, and a successful deployment of Kepler’s satellites,” said Jared Bottoms, director of space systems at Kepler, in the news release.
Jeanne Medvedeva, commercial director at Exolaunch, added: “With the launch of two more satellites, Kepler’s Global Data Service capabilities will expand significantly and improve the economics of movement of data. Our team is ready to utilize our launch expertise and deployment solutions to ensure smooth deployment of Kepler’s satellites into orbit. In light of recent global challenges, we are especially proud of this opportunity to continue our mission to provide our customers with regular access to space.”
www.keplercommunications.com
www.exolaunch.com
