Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT) is kicking off a “Hyperion” demonstration campaign for its next-generation hybrid radio frequency (RF) and optical relay network, Hyper.
KSAT announced Monday that the campaign will validate operational services planned for its commercial Hyper network through demonstrations with satellite operators, technology providers and institutional partners. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the European Space Agency’s European Resilience from Space (ERS) program will both be demonstrating capabilities during the Hyperion campaign. Potential HYPER network customers can test low-latency relay services during the demonstration before commercial operations begin.
KSAT’s HYPER satellites carry multiple optical terminals from Rocket Lab and Sony Space Communications Corp. (SSCC). Rocket Lab acquired laser communications terminal technology through its purchase of Mynaric earlier this year. Hyper’s RF capabilities include S-band connectivity for telemetry, tracking and command, and Ka-band communications for payload data relay.
“Hyperion is about proving operational services, not just technology. By bringing together customers, technology providers and institutional partners, we’re demonstrating the hybrid RF and optical capabilities that will underpin the future Hyper network. These campaigns validate real operational use cases while laying the foundation for Europe’s next-generation commercial satellite relay infrastructure,” Edvard Foss, vice president of KSAT’s Hyper program, said in the announcement.
KSAT first announced plans to launch the Hyper satellites last year, describing the satellites as “orbiting ground stations,” that will be fully compatible with the KSATlite service with no additional hardware requirements.
