Kepler said it selected SpaceX as launch partner to deliver a portion of its first Low-Earth Orbit (Leo) satellite constellation into space on the back of SpaceX’s reusable Falcon 9 launcher. Kepler bought 400 kg of launch capacity from SpaceX for the deployment of multiple satellites. These spacecraft incorporate both a high-capacity Ku-band communications system and a narrowband payload, for both high-speed data transfers and for low-power direct-to-satellite IoT connectivity.
This will be the first time the two companies are partnering for a Leo deployment. The deployment marks Kepler’s first use of SpaceX’s new SmallSat Rideshare Program, which will see the launch of multiple small spacecraft into sun-synchronous orbit (SSO).
Kepler’s Leo satellite constellation will comprise approximately 140 satellites which are planned to be deployed in three phases, from 2020 to 2023.
