As satellite constellations grow, moving data efficiently through space remains a key challenge. Traditional RF links and scheduled ground contacts can create latency and gaps in coverage, even as on-orbit sensors and platforms become more capable.
Optical inter-satellite links are now beginning to address these constraints, enabling higher-capacity, low-latency routing in orbit. Kepler Communications’ recent deployment of its first optical relay satellites provides an early example of this shift. Constellations talked to Mina Mitry, CEO of Kepler Communications, about what operational optical networks mean for multi-orbit architectures, on-orbit processing and broader space networking trends.
Q: How does the deployment of Kepler’s first optical relays change the way the company approaches network architecture and multi-orbit data flow compared with traditional RF networks?
A: Optical relay allows data to be routed continuously through the constellation rather than waiting for direct ground contacts, which changes how the industry designs systems, and scales. Instead of optimizing links one pass at a time, we can architect the network as an integrated, cloud-like system where data paths are dynamically managed in space. Combined with on-orbit compute resources customers will have a true cloud experience when developing missions.
Q: With these optical links now operational, how do you expect latency, coverage continuity, and end-user service quality to improve across the network?
A: Optical data relay significantly reduces latency by eliminating the need for ground passes to move data. They also improve coverage continuity by allowing traffic to be routed through the constellation point to point anywhere in the world. For end users, that translates into more predictable performance, real-time streaming of data and service quality that is closer to what they expect from terrestrial networks.
Q: Optical inter-satellite links require extreme precision. What engineering or operational lessons from previous demonstrations made this first tranche possible, and how confident are you in scaling the system?
A: Earlier demonstrations proving optical space-to-ground and space-to-space were more challenging than operational space-to-space links. During these demonstrations, we validated key elements such as SDA-compatibility, pointing, acquisition, tracking, link stability and fault recovery in diverse acquisition scenarios. Those lessons informed our system designs and influenced how we operate the network. With already proven foundations in place, we are confident in scaling.
Q: What role does on-orbit processing and routing play in this new optical architecture, and how does it affect reliance on ground infrastructure for data flow?
A: On-orbit processing is an advanced capability on our network, helping customers to realize the full value of real-time optical connectivity. Customers are able to process data directly in orbit, which reduces dependence on ground infrastructure, improves resilience and enables data to be delivered where it’s needed with far less latency and operational overhead. We see operational scenarios for data fusion, tipping and queuing that previously were not possible without on-orbit compute. More and more, compute is moving closer to the data sources, which significantly increases the value of data.
Q: As the optical network expands, how do you see industry interoperability and coordination evolving, particularly as multiple operators pursue similar technologies?
A: Interoperability is essential as optical networks move from experimentation to operational infrastructure and cross sovereign boundaries. We expect alignment around common interfaces, link standards, and coordination mechanisms, particularly for cross-constellation data exchange. The industry needs optical networks that can interoperate by design, rather than remaining isolated and proprietary systems to unlock the potential of data from orbit. We’ve seen in near every industry how interoperability and standards setting allows scale, collaboration, and sovereign cooperation.
Q: What performance metrics — such as throughput, crosslink reliability, or uptime — will define success as this optical network transitions from deployment to commercial service?
A: Success will ultimately be measured by an industry shift from traditional RF communications to optical first mission architectures so that data can be delivered in real-time. We must do our part by delivering consistent, predictable performance that includes meeting and exceeding all standards-based data rates, predictable crosslink availability, and the ability to maintain service quality as demand on the network continues to scale.
Q: Which early customer integrations or applications do you see as the most compelling demonstrations of the value enabled by this optical relay network?
A: Enabling space-based data to be immediately actionable for situational awareness is particularly compelling. The workloads in this category include disaster response along with intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.
Q: How do you envision multi-orbit optical networks shaping the future of space-based “cloud” infrastructure — and what new capabilities could this unlock for Earth observation, communications or IoT?
A: There will be greater investment in autonomous systems now that leverage the broad pool of resources available in orbit. Kepler is removing access, bandwidth and latency bottlenecks in space, enabling new mission classes and scalable architectures. This allows Earth observation and other space applications to operate without data caps.
Q: What broader changes do cross-constellation operators coordinate and share data across constellations as multi-orbit optical networks become more common?
A: As optical networks mature, we expect a shift toward cooperative models, where operators interconnect rather than operate in isolation. This could include shared relay services, standardized interfaces, and new commercial frameworks for data transport across constellations. Ultimately, space networking will look less like a collection of separate systems and more like an interconnected ecosystem, much like the terrestrial Internet of today.
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