A rendering of Kepler Communications’ optical relay network. Photo: Kepler

Kepler Communications petitioned the FCC this week to adjust its satellite constellation plans for the company’s updated optical data relay infrastructure. 

Instead of a network of 360 linked, radio frequency (RF) cubesats, Kepler plans to deploy a network of just 18 satellites — comprising a mix of its existing cubesats, optical pathfinders, and larger, more advanced optical relay satellites. 

According to the filing, Kepler is asking the FCC to combine its currently authorized system and a pending system into one consolidated satellite system that would include: two optical pathfinder satellites launched last year; six on-orbit RF cubesats from the company’s first generation of services; and 10 Gen2-B optical relay satellites. 

The optical relay satellites are significantly larger than the RF cubesats from Kepler’s initial FCC filing. Tranche one satellites will weigh approximately 260 kilograms, compared to 12 kilograms of the RF satellites. Kepler said the 10 satellites are fully manufactured and launch ready.

Kepler’s move to an optical network is not new, it has been part of the company’s plans and Kepler has validated Tesat’s optical inter-satellite terminals onboard its two optical pathfinder satellites. However, Kepler requests to make these changes under its current FCC authorization, received in November 2018. 

One of the factors that led to the new constellation design is the FCC’s five-year deorbit rule. Kepler said in the filing that the five-year deorbit rule “nullified the once acceptable 3U and 6U cubesat satellite/constellation design and overall service model,” as the 3U and 6U designs could take between nine and nearly 11 years to deorbit. Those satellites do not have propulsion onboard. 

Kepler has added propulsion to its optical relay satellites in order to deorbit within FCC-mandated timelines.

Kepler also argued the smaller constellation design will be easier to secure launch access for, with fewer satellites. In addition, the company told the FCC the updated design is a more capable technical product that can support more downstream offerings and better service for customers. 

“Kepler has closely watched optical technology evolve and made the decision to adjust our strategy to develop an optical data relay infrastructure that modernizes communications for commercial and government customers,” said Mina Mitry, Kepler co-founder and CEO. 

“In our initial filing, we detailed a data relay network based on RF technology, which would have required a larger number of satellites to serve customer needs. With the maturation of optical technology, standards and market demand, Kepler has proudly shifted our architecture to provide customers cutting-edge internet capabilities in space with a more sustainable network,” Mitry added.