#Norway #Hyperion #Tromsø #Hyper #Kongsberg Satellite Services

Kongsberg Satellite Services Launches Customer Demonstrations for HYPER Relay Services

Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT) has marked a significant milestone in satellite communications by unveiling the first demonstration campaigns for Hyperion, a crucial component of its next-generation HYPER network. This initiative aims to showcase the capabilities of KSAT's hybrid radio frequency (RF) and optical relay services.

A New Era of Satellite Connectivity

The ongoing demonstration campaigns will validate the operational services planned for the HYPER network, providing satellite operators, technology providers, and institutional partners with the opportunity to experience low-latency relay services. This pre-commercial phase is vital as it allows customers to test these services before the full-scale operational deployment commences.

The Hyperion satellites will be significantly enhanced by cutting-edge optical terminals provided by Rocket Lab, which recently acquired Mynaric, a leader in laser communications technology. Additionally, partnerships have been established with Sony Space Communications Corp. (SSCC), enabling a diverse range of optical payload relay demonstrations across the HYPER network.

Hybrid Network Demonstrations

The demonstrations will illustrate how RF and optical links can effectively complement each other within a unified relay network, accommodating various operational demands. Specifically, the RF capabilities showcased on Hyperion will include S-band connectivity for telemetry, tracking, command, and Ka-band communications intended for payload data relay.

Edvard Foss, the vice president of HYPER at KSAT, highlighted the importance of these demonstrations, stating, “Hyperion is about proving operational services, not just technology. We are integrating customers and technology providers to validate real operational use cases while establishing the groundwork for Europe’s next-generation commercial satellite relay infrastructure.”

Collaboration with Key Partners

The strategic partnerships formed with Rocket Lab and SSCC are critical for the success of the Hyperion mission, as they play pivotal roles in these demonstrations. KSAT is also keen to engage further collaborations with additional technology providers who can contribute to the future of the hybrid relay network.

One significant demonstration will be conducted in partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which will showcase operational communications capabilities over the HYPER network. These communications services will include bidirectional communication and efficient payload data relay through Ka-band, underlining HYPER’s potential in delivering mission-critical data swiftly.

In conjunction with these activities, HYPER is advancing into Phase 1 of the European Space Agency’s European Resilience from Space (ERS) program, focusing on real-time satellite tasking enabled by relay services and high-throughput, low-latency data downloads.

About HYPER

The HYPER network represents a groundbreaking development in orbital data relay systems. It employs a hybrid RF and optical architecture designed to facilitate low-latency communications and payload data relay for satellites positioned beyond traditional ground station reach.

About Kongsberg Satellite Services

Based in Tromsø, Norway, Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT) is renowned for operating the world’s largest commercial satellite ground station network, offering crucial infrastructure for the global space industry. Their U.S. subsidiary, KSAT Inc., is located in Denver, enhancing their operational footprint in North America.

The Future is Bright

As KSAT progresses through these demonstration campaigns, it stands at the forefront of satellite communications innovation, poised to redefine the capabilities and reach of space-based data relay services in the coming years.