Kepler’s optical relay network satellites ahead of launch. Photo: Kepler Communications

The upcoming SpaceX “Twilight” rideshare mission is set to deploy the first tranche of Kepler Communications‘ next-generation optical satellite constellation. 

SpaceX is targeting Sunday, January 11 for the Twilight mission on a Falcon 9 rocket, set to launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, with a launch window opening at 5:19 a.m. PT. The mission will launch to dusk-dawn Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO). 

For Kepler, the mission will launch 10 300 kg-class satellites, each one equipped with a minimum of four optical terminals. The network is designed to provide real-time connectivity, on-orbit compute, and hosted payload services for government and commercial customers. 

Kepler describes it as a similar to the terrestrial internet by “dynamically routing data between satellites to provide resilient, real-time connectivity between space and Earth.” 

The company previously launched pathfinder satellites, which have demonstrated space-to-space, space-to-ground, and space-to-air optical relay in a variety of demonstrations with partners. 

“Optical data relay is redefining how space systems communicate, operate, and deliver value,”Kepler CEO Mina Mitry commented when the launch was announced. “It removes the high latency and bottlenecks of traditional RF links and allows our customers to move data continuously, securely, and at the speed of light. With real-time connectivity and advanced computing in orbit, operators can unlock new possibilities for defence and intelligence, real-time situational awareness, commercial innovation, and sustained human operations in space. Together, these advancements are creating the foundation for a truly connected space economy.”

The mission will also launch satellites for a number of other customers including Aistech Space, HawkEye 360, Capella Space, Umbra Space, Tomorrow.io, and others.