Rocket Lab Inks Neutron Launch Deal with Kepler Communications
Kepler said the mission will add next-generation satellites with up to 100 Gbps data rates and support its 10x revenue growth.
- On Monday, Kepler Communications Inc announced it selected Rocket Lab Corporation's Neutron rocket for its first dedicated launch, scheduled no earlier than 2028 from Wallops Island, Virginia.
- This contract provides Kepler greater control over launch schedules and orbital parameters, marking the company's first move away from reliance on rideshare missions to dedicated commercial launch vehicles.
- Mina Mitry, CEO and co-founder of Kepler, said, "Our customer demand continues to grow, and dedicated launch provides the flexibility to expand and deliver more capacity." The mission will strengthen resilience for the optical data relay constellation.
- The satellites will support strategic customer programs, including the European Space Agency's HydRON initiative, while multiple 2028 launches expand Kepler's commercial network to serve civil, defense, and commercial missions globally.
- Rocket Lab, which has powered more than 1,700 missions, sees Neutron's manifest approach full capacity through decade's end. Founder and CEO Sir Peter Beck said, "We're proud to add Kepler to the growing list of organizations selecting Neutron to deliver their missions to orbit.
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Globe Newswire
Rocket Lab Inks Neutron Launch Deal with Kepler Communications
Window for 2026 launch debut of Rocket Lab’s Neutron rocket ‘is narrowing’ as development continues
Rocket Lab conducts a launch simulation of its Neutron rocket from Launch Complex 3 at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport within NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia. Image: Rocket Lab Rocket Lab’s anticipated debut of its medium-lift Neutron rocket may end up slipping beyond this year and into 2027. In a filing to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SES) ahead of is second quarter 2026 earnings call with investors on Tuesday, th…
Kepler books Neutron for 2028 optical relay launch
Kepler Communications plans to deploy next-generation optical relay satellites on Rocket Lab’s upcoming Neutron rocket in one of several launches the Canadian operator has slated for 2028. The post Kepler books Neutron for 2028 optical relay launch appeared first on SpaceNews.
Kepler Selects Rocket Lab's Neutron for First Dedicated Launch as Network Expansion Accelerates
The mission, scheduled no earlier than 2028, will deploy next-generation satellites that will expand Kepler’s constellation with increased optical connectivity, on-orbit compute, and hosted payload capacity.
NiagaraFallsReview.ca
Kepler Selects Rocket Lab’s Neutron for First Dedicated Launch as Network Expansion Accelerates
TORONTO, Aug. 10, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kepler Communications Inc. today announced it has selected Rocket Lab's Neutron launch vehicle for its first dedicated launch mission, marking a significant milestone as the company prepares for its largest expansion to date.
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