TORONTO – Kepler Communications, a Canadian satellite telecommunications company, announced today it has signed a contract with Spire Global Inc., a global provider of space-based data, analytics, and space services, to test Kepler’s ÆTHER network.
“This will serve as an initial test bed for Kepler’s ÆTHER service and will also help Spire evaluate how the technology can support its goal to collect accurate, timely and global data,” a Kepler press release says.
ÆTHER is designed to provide an always-on, real-time link to satellites, solving “one of the key challenges facing low earth orbit missions, which is limited connectivity with Earth, by relaying data through the ÆTHER network,” the release says.
“Without an always-on, real-time communications link, operators must wait until the satellite is above a ground station to learn about the health of the asset, confirm satellite location, or identify anomalous behavior. In addition, the value of the data collected by satellites diminishes with time until it eventually reaches Earth.”
Spire will host ÆTHER aboard a Spire nanosatellite. “The communications system has a small form factor and is easily integrated. This is driven by Kepler’s unique patented LEO architecture,” the press release explains.
An initial test on a Spire satellite is due to launch in the fourth quarter of 2022. “Ahead of this initial launch, Kepler Communications will be conducting on-orbit testing of the ÆTHER hardware in the first quarter of 2022, onboard two new Kepler satellites.”
“This initiative with Spire is an early validation of the value and importance of the ÆTHER program for Kepler,” said Mina Mitry, Kepler’s CEO and co-founder.
“Spire is a recognized pioneer in the market and understands the advantage of improving communications with their space assets. We look forward to demonstrating our capabilities with them and many other customers soon to be announced as we deliver on our mission of connecting the space economy.”
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