Kepler Communications Launches First Commercial Orbital Data Centres
AI-generated image · Bay Street Wire
The Toronto-based company has deployed an optical relay network to provide real-time space-based computing, beating out competitors like Amazon and Starlink.
Toronto's Kepler Communications has officially brought the first commercial space data relay service online, according to reporting from BetaKit. The company's satellite constellation now provides real-time, space-based computing to government and commercial clients, establishing what the company describes as orbital data centres.
Kepler's system utilizes a low-Earth orbit satellite network based on an optical relay network. CEO and co-founder Mina Mitry told BetaKit that the company is essentially maintaining a steady laser link with an object the size of a baseball from 6,500 kilometres away, while traveling at 7.5 kilometres per second. Each satellite is equipped with at least four optical terminals to facilitate laser links between ground, air, and space assets.
By processing and analyzing data directly in space rather than waiting for a downlink to Earth, the network reduces latency and supports autonomous space operations and the use of AI. John Ruffolo, a Kepler investor and managing partner at Maverix Private Equity, noted on LinkedIn that the "data centre in the sky" has become a reality.
While industry giants including Google, Starlink, and Amazon are pursuing similar orbital data centre goals to leverage the cold environment of space and solar power, Kepler claims to be the first to make the technology a commercial reality. Some experts cited by BetaKit have raised concerns regarding atmospheric pollution or the impracticality of such systems.
Kepler intends to grow its global optical data relay network in 2028. This expansion will include a new tranche of spacecraft designed to support increased customer demand and data rates reaching 100 Gbps.