D-Orbit ION spacecraft. Photo: D-Orbit

Space logistics company D-Orbit will deploy two satellites for Kepler Communications as part of an agreement announced Thursday. 

The contract covers the launch of two 6U telecommunications satellites on D-Orbit’s orbital transfer vehicle, the ION Satellite Carrier. After launch, which is scheduled for the first quarter of 2023, the ION will release the satellite on a 500-600 km Sun Synchronous Orbit (SSO).

The two satellites will carry Kepler’s Ku- and S-band payloads to validate technology that will enable inter-satellite communication and high-capacity data downlinking for the company’s next generation of satellites. Kepler is working to build the Kepler Network connecting assets in space for data transfer. 

“We are proud to partner with D-Orbit in the launch and deployment of our two newest satellites leading the development of our next-generation Aether constellation,” said Diane Burchett, vice president of Engineering for Kepler. “The Kepler Network will provide real-time, always-on communication to satellites and other space-borne assets for our customers.”

D-Orbit is currently going through a special purpose acquisition (SPAC) merger with Breeze Holdings Acquisition Corp.