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, August 10, 2026, Kepler Communications Inc selected Rocket Lab Corporation's Neutron rocket for its first dedicated launch, scheduled no earlier than 2028 from Wallops Island, Virginia.
- Moving away from previous reliance on rideshare missions, this contract provides Kepler greater control over launch schedules and orbital parameters, while Neutron offers constellation operators tailored, secure access to space.
- Mina Mitry, CEO and co-founder of Kepler, stated, "Our customer demand continues to grow, and dedicated launch provides the flexibility to expand," as the mission increases capacity and strengthens resilience for the constellation.
- The satellites will support strategic customer programs, including the European Space Agency's HydRON initiative, while multiple launches planned for 2028 expand Kepler's commercial optical data relay network globally.
- Rocket Lab, which has powered more than 1,700 missions, continues securing commercial contracts as Neutron's manifest approaches full capacity through decade's end. Sir Peter Beck, founder and CEO of Rocket Lab, said, "We're proud to add Kepler to the growing list of organizations selecting Neutron.
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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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