Grants and Contributions

As global data demands increase, traditional ground-based networks face challenges related to bandwidth, latency, and data security. To address these issues, Kepler proposes developing an Orbital Cloud Infrastructure Software Stack for its optically connected satellite constellation. This initiative establishes foundational software to enable customers to request computing resources onboard satellites, which are then scheduled and deployed onto available nodes. Initially focusing on simplified, customer-driven resource allocation and basic workload isolation, this approach optimizes satellite resources and supports scalable in-orbit data processing. The objective is to demonstrate, through ground validation, a practical orbital cloud computing environment at TRL-4, while clearly defining a path to more advanced capabilities such as dynamic workload orchestration, comprehensive multi-tenancy, and enhanced security for future phases. This technology significantly reduces barriers to entry for in-orbit data processing, enabling real-time insights and efficient bandwidth utilization across multiple industry applications.

To expand manufacturing and commercialization of telecommunications hardware.

This project will design and build a constellation of 36 small satellites and deliver an in-orbit, high-speed connectivity network (called ÆTHER) for next-generation space assets, drastically improving the speed of data transmission from space assets in orbit to the Earth’s surface. The project work phase is scheduled to end on June 30, 2026.

Kepler proposes bringing edge computing to the Kepler Network constellation to optimize the customer experience and increase the addressable and the capturable market of the Kepler Network service (always-on connectivity in space). To develop this capability, Kepler will take a phased approach aligned and complementary to its network development and buildout:

Phase 1 – Developing edge compute hardware capable of integration with Kepler’s in space processing architecture.
Phase 2 – Integrating and validating an edge computing algorithm with the hardware from Phase 1.
Phase 3 – Replacing the Kepler spacecraft’s current Main Processing Command Unit (MPCU) with a higher bandwidth, higher performance core to enable more processing power.

High availability and high bandwidth space-to-space communication coupled with edge compute capability will be the backbone of the new space economy. Kepler is uniquely positioned to continue Canadian leadership in deployment of this critical, enabling service to the benefit of Canada and the world.

The project will support a technology demonstration mission which will afford the opportunity to gain flight heritage in advance of potential commercial sales. It will demonstrate the feasibility of a flexible LEO-based data relay network capable of providing a high-data rate connection via optical links, and a low-data rate connection via radio frequency links.

This hardware technology demonstration project is a critical step in delivering the internet to space as high availability and high bandwidth space-to-space communication will be the backbone of the new space economy.

(20STDPK11) Advanced spacecraft antenna technologies are needed in order to deliver high-throughput, low-cost, and reliable connectivity services from satellites. Over the years, substantial advancements have been made towards antennas for use in traditional geostationary satellites. These are employed, for instance, when delivering satellite television or rural broadband services.

However, relatively little advancements have been made on antenna technologies for nanosatellites. Characterized as low-cost, rapid to develop, and rapid to deploy, nanosatellites can offer novel connectivity services, but are hindered by limited advancements in underlying antenna technologies.

This project will seek to develop a novel Ku-band antenna for use on Kepler's nanosatellite constellation. The impact of this technology will be to improve permissible data throughput and reduce the cost of delivering Kepler's connectivity services.

(20STDPM02) This project will perform a feasibility study of how to develop and produce high frequency beamforming integrated circuits (ICs) for phased array antennas for small satellites. These electrically steerable antennas utilized in satellites have the potential to enable high-throughput, low-cost, and low-latency connectivity services. Implementing such steerable antennas as ICs can alleviate the high cost of RF components such that the per-component cost is greatly reduced.

RRRF funding will be used to support Recipients to address the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

RRRF funding will be used to support Recipients to address the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Canada-Germany Collaborative Industrial Research and Development Program 2019, Call 1 Project led by Kepler with Germany partners (DLR and IQ Wireless). The project is for Next-Generation Satellite Connectivity Development and In-Orbit Validation for IoT Applications.