Astrolight is integrating its ATLAS-X laser communication terminal aboard a standard Kepler low Earth orbit satellite for multi-orbit data routing trials.
Sophia Space’s first in-orbit demo, scheduled for this fall, will validate its orbital operating system SOOS on board Kepler’s in-space network.
General Atomics conducted a July 2025 SDA-supported air-to-space optical link demonstration with a Tranche 0-compatible Kepler satellite.
The demonstration with General Atomics and a Tranche 0-compatible Kepler satellite validated direct-to-warfighter delivery for the new architecture.
Scientists have confirmed more than 6,270 exoplanets using TESS, NASA’s Kepler space telescope, and other facilities.
The Space Telescope Science Institute is the data repository for the Hubble, Webb, Roman, Kepler, K2, and TESS missions.
Kepler is responsible for payload hosting, launch preparation, and in-orbit operations for HydRON Element 3.
Kepler’s HydRON Element 3 contract is worth 18.6 million euros, or about $22 million.
Kepler received a $39 million contract in October 2024 to lead HydRON Element 1 and demonstrate a ten-satellite data transport system in low-Earth orbit.
Kepler will manufacture and launch a host platform for multiple European optical terminals and payloads under HydRON Element 3.
Kepler’s participation in ESA’s HydRON initiative is backed by the Canadian Space Agency through the Canada-ESA Cooperative Agreement.
Kepler will deliver a hosted-payload mission for HydRON Element 3 to validate the interoperability of multiple optical communication terminals in orbit.
HydRON Element 1 involved developing a low Earth orbit segment using Kepler’s optical relay constellation technologies.
Kepler said that Canadian companies can access otherwise restricted European space markets through Canada’s ESA status and that such access typically generates follow-on business valued at triple the initial contract.
The Kepler-led team will launch a satellite in 2027.
Kepler is the system prime for ESA’s HydRON optical communications project.
The HydRON network includes a ring of ten optical communications satellites in low Earth orbit developed with Kepler and launched in January.
Kepler will work with Astrolight, Tesat, Mbryonics, and Vyoma under the HydRON test contract.
Kepler will manage the HydRON Element 3 mission from bus outfitting and launch preparation through on-orbit operations.
Kepler will provide a company-built satellite as the hosting bus for HydRON Element 3.