Jane Edwards
Robert Conrad, vice president of U.S. business development at Kepler Communications, stated that optical communication capabilities could help warfighters speed up the decision-making process to ensure national security by gaining access to remote sensing satellite data in near-real time.
“Optical intersatellite connectivity allows for data delivery to the end user within minutes after data acquisition. Near-real-time communications are critical for our warfighters, and that’s a significant driver of optical technology in defense,” Conrad told Breaking Defense in an interview published Monday.
He noted that the company expects its optical space data relay network, called the Kepler Network, to be fully operational by 2025 to deliver low-latency, high-throughput capabilities to government and commercial customers.
Conrad talked about the compatibility of Kepler’s network with the Space Development Agency’s Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture and cited the recent launch of two optical Pathfinder satellites.
The Kepler executive also mentioned some of the technological advances that are driving the internet of space and the standard SDA developed for optical communications.
Conrad will serve as a moderator of a panel discussion on optical space data relays and human spaceflight communications at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2024 Space Summit. Register here to attend this key event.
