The European Space Agency has awarded Kepler Communications a $19.8 million deal to serve as the prime contractor for HydRON Element 3, a component of the agency’s high-throughput optical network initiative.
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What Is the HydRON Element 3 Mission?
Kepler said Tuesday the award expands its involvement in the HydRON project under ESA’s Optical and Quantum Communications – Scylight program, which aims to build a high-throughput optical network that enables secure, real-time data transport across multiple orbits and between space and ground systems.
Under the new contract, Kepler will deliver a hosted-payload mission designed to support users of the HydRON network. The Element 3 mission will include deploying multiple optical communication terminals and service provider payloads aboard a Kepler-built satellite. The mission aims to demonstrate interoperability among terminals and support real-time data delivery for space domain awareness applications.
According to Kepler co-founder and CEO Mina Mitry, the initiative is a critical step toward testing broad interoperability and enabling data access for various applications. “HydRON is a key initiative in advancing sovereign optical communications and enabling high-capacity data transport,” said Mitry.
Which Partners Are Contributing?
Kepler will provide a satellite with optical intersatellite links, payload hosting, launch preparation and in-orbit operations. European partners will supply payloads and equipment, including Vyoma GmbH with a space situational awareness payload, TESAT with terminal hardware, Mbryonics Ltd with terminal hardware and Astrolight UAB with terminal hardware.
