Kepler Raises $92M Series C for Optical Constellation

Satellite network infrastructure developer Kepler Communications has raised $92 million in series C funding. Kepler said that it will use the funding to launch an optical data relay infrastructure in 2024, complementing its existing RF network.

Kepler’s optical communications infrastructure will use two near orthogonal planes of relay satellites in sun-synchronous orbits, with satellites in each plane continuously connected using SDA-compatible optical inter-satellite links. Optical services are expected to be operational and available to customers by the first quarter of 2025.

The Kepler Network will streamline on-orbit communications with a network infrastructure designed to act as internet exchange points for space-to-space data relay. The internet-ready constellation will deliver data to and from spacecraft in real time, enabling high-speed data relay through SDA-standard optical terminals.

In addition, the company plans to launch two Pathfinder satellites later this year to test and validate optical communication technology developed for the Kepler constellation. The company’s newest satellites build on the flight heritage of its existing constellation, totaling 21 satellites after the launch of two additional spacecraft in mid-April 2023.

The University of Toronto spinout has raised over $200 million in equity since 2016.