KSAT plans to launch “Hyper” satellites for faster data transfer for ground station customers. Photo: KSAT

Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT) announced plans this week to launch Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites called Hyper to function like ground stations in space and give customers faster access to their data. 

KSAT is known for operating the largest global satellite ground communication network ground stations, including the KSATlite ground station as-a-service offering for smallsat and constellation customers. The company described Hyper as “orbiting ground stations,” that will be fully compatible with the KSATlite service with no additional hardware requirements. 

The satellites will relay customer data into the KSATlite network. For example customers can use Hyper satellites for data transfer when satellites are far from the nearest ground station. It can also be used to downlink to a specific location for sovereignty requirements. 

“Hyper will reduce the latency for EO data to a minimum and ensure data becomes actionable, significantly increasing its value for the satellite owner and the end user. This is particularly vital for missions for maintaining strategic surveillance and situational awareness,” Arnulf Kjeldsen, executive vice president of Strategy and Technology said in a release. 

KSAT announced plans for Hyper this week during the Small Satellite Conference in Utah.