Kymeta, the communications company making mobile global, and Kepler Communications have announced the successful demonstration of the Kymeta u8 Terminal with LEO satellite acquisition, tracking and throughput measurements, during extremely cold weather temperatures. The collaboration with Kepler supports Kymeta’s goal to develop solutions that are future proof with a clear LEO upgrade path and compatible with growing mega constellations.
In 2020, Kepler was selected for an extended u8 beta trial to capture the extended Northern winter in Inuvik, Canada. Frequent revisit times from the Kepler LEO satellites combined with the local environment of unprotected cold weather, snow, and ice provided a unique testing opportunity for the latest Kymeta technology. Results have demonstrated a significant increase in performance with lower latency, enhanced look angles and speeds that are approaching 10X faster than earlier products with higher throughput and total data passed.
The u8 system is designed to work down to -40oC. During testing, Kymeta and Kepler were able to update software facilitating the testing of new algorithms in real time. Updates included capabilities of on-board FPGA-based tracking receivers, which allowed for the usage of channels more than 2 times larger than previous demonstrations.
Testing results exceeded expectations during these cold weather trials with average uplink and downlink speeds of 100 Mbps, providing the ability to transfer more than two gigabytes of data with each pass. Initial testing was completed using linear polarization on the u8 – in a future software upgrade the addition of circular polarization support will lead to additional increases in data transfer speeds.
Kepler is agile and able to make adjustments for optimized performance simultaneously with Kymeta when they are adjusting the u8 terminal. Many of Kymeta’s customers are interested in compatibility with LEO satellite services, and this testing helps ensure the longevity of the u8 and Kymeta Connect as well as offer a solution that takes advantage of the increased utility of LEO satellites.
The performance of the Kymeta u8 with Kepler's Global Data Service has exceeded expectations. The recent testing and development efforts demonstrated not only the ability to move many more gigabytes of data than expected with each pass, but also the u8's ability to operate in polar environments, where many of Kepler's early adopters operate. With Kepler's recently increased capacity the u8 can serve customers globally.
In January, Kepler launched 8 new satellites via SpaceX’s first dedicated SmallSat Rideshare Program. On March 22nd, Kepler launched an additional two satellites via the Soyuz-2, expanding its active constellation to 15 satellites in total. An additional launch is planned for June. Kymeta believes the collaboration with Kepler and further testing is instrumental in providing reliable connectivity and superior benefits to customers.
Kymeta next-generation solutions are built for mobility and designed specifically for the needs of global defense agencies, government, public safety, and commercial customers. Through the launch of the u8 and Kymeta Connect, the company has meaningfully increased antenna throughput and reduced the total cost of ownership. Its products offer a breakthrough in performance, ease of use, and hybrid satellite-cellular connectivity services.
