Kepler Communications’ LEO network. Photo: Kepler Communications

Kepler Communications has raised $92 million in its Series C funding round, led by IA Ventures. The Toronto-based company plans to use the funding to launch an optical data relay infrastructure to complement its existing radio frequency network. 

Kepler plans to launch the optical data relay infrastructure in 2024. Its optical communications infrastructure will use two near-orthogonal planes of relay satellites in sun-synchronous orbits, with satellites in each plane continuously connected using optical inter-satellite links that are compatible with the Space Development Agency (SDA) standard. Optical services will be operational and available to customers by the first quarter of 2025. It is designed to operate as internet exchange points (IXP) for space-to-space data relay.

The company plans to launch two Pathfinder satellites in Fall 2023 to test and validate the optical communication technology. Last year, Kepler selected Tesat-Spacecom for its laser communication terminals.

“Since our foundation, Kepler has been dedicated to enabling the future of space communications; working tirelessly to create the infrastructure needed for real-time, always-available access to space assets. As we build out The Kepler Network, we are solving challenges the industry faces and simplifying mission communications by bringing modern internet capabilities into space,” said Mina Mitry, chief executive officer for Kepler. “Internet services on Earth completely transformed civilization, and we believe extending the Internet to space will have the same far-reaching impact.”

Kepler currently has 19 satellites on orbit, with two more set to launch on the SpaceX Transporter-7 rideshare mission.

This fundraising round brings the company’s total funding to more than $200 million in equity.