Posted: Sat, Apr 15, 2023, 10:40 PM ET (0240 GMT)
Kepler Communications has raised $92 million to develop an optical data relay network. Early-stage investor IA Ventures led the Series C round announced Thursday, which brings the total amount Kepler has raised to more than $200 million. Kepler currently operates 19 cubesats to provide low-data-rate connectivity, but the new funding would go towards a data relay network of larger smallsats that would provide real-time connectivity for LEO satellites that can currently only relay information when passing over approved ground stations. The company plans to begin deploying the first plane of data relay satellites in 2024 for initial services by early 2025 from what it is calling The Kepler Network.

Related Links:

•  SpaceNews article
•  Kepler press release