INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Satellite communications startup Kepler will manufacture its small satellites going forward at a new 5,000-square-foot facility in Toronto,
The company is working with partners, including the Canadian Space Agency and the University of Toronto, on the new facility, which will
also incorporate design and development of its satellites in addition to manufacturing.Already, Kepler operates two satellites currently in
orbit, and has demonstrated the capabilities of its technology by delivering a high-speed internet data connection to the North Pole for the
first time late last year
These spacecraft were designed by Kepler, but manufactured via third-parties through contracting agreements
which will provide high-bandwidth connectivity aimed for use in a range of industries, including agriculture, transportation and maritime
shipping and logistics, to name a few
This new in-house facility will support mass production of the small satellites it requires to build out its fleet, while providing cost
benefits versus outsourcing over time.The small satellite industry is one of the parts of commercial space that has seen the biggest
companies building and operating satellites and constellations
Bringing satellite manufacturing in-house puts Kepler in rare company as one of the few small sat companies that owns the whole stack, which
should be a big competitive advantage relative to the market going forward.In terms of when the facility will be putting out satellites that
Kepler plans to actually launch, the company currently plans to launch its final demonstration satellite, which is already built under its
prior contractor arrangement, this spring
Then, it intends to launch the first commercial satellites produced by this new facility starting this summer, with an additional two
launches planned for later in the year.
