Kepler Communications (“Kepler”), a Canadian satellite telecommunications provider, and Magellan Aerospace Corporation (“Magellan”) have signed a Letter of Intention to fly an innovative Smart Radiator Device (SRD) on Kepler’s third satellite, scheduled for launch later this year. The unique SRD, designed to significantly improve temperature management on-board future satellites, is being developed by MPB Communications (“MPB”) in partnership with Magellan Aerospace.

This innovative SRD technology is being developed as part of a technology development program with the goal to improve its technology readiness level by eventually operating in the space environment.  Kepler intends to be the first to use this technology as part of their satellite’s thermal control hardware suite before the end of 2019. 

The SRD radiator design has a unique property in which its effectiveness in emitting or retaining heat (its “emissivity”) changes with temperature. Heat dissipation increases at elevated temperatures and reduces at lower temperatures. The tunable radiator keeps the spacecraft within tighter temperature bounds and reduces the need for survival heaters when the spacecraft is cold. The SRD’s properties are highly desirable for space applications, especially for communication satellites where the payloads tend to rapidly heat up at the time of transmitting signals (up to 80°C) and quickly get colder (down to -20°C) when dormant.

With the SRD, Kepler will be able to keep the spacecraft in the “Goldilocks Zone”: not too hot, not too cold.  “We are looking forward to seeing this new technology in action and how it will benefit next-gen satellite platforms moving forward,” says Jared Bottoms, Kepler’s Lead Systems Engineer. 

“Magellan is looking forward to continuing the development of the SRD with MPB, and is excited about the upcoming flight opportunity with Kepler” says Corey Mack, Space Business Unit Leader at Magellan.

About Kepler Communications

Kepler is a satellite telecommunications provider that delivers wideband and narrowband global data services through a network of low-cost, rapidly-deployable nanosatellites. Currently, the only high-bandwidth connectivity provider for mobile applications in polar regions, Kepler aims to build an in-space telecommunications network through an incremental deployment of products and technologies.

About Magellan Aerospace Corporation

Magellan Aerospace Corporation is a global, integrated aerospace company that provides complex assemblies and systems solutions to aircraft and engine manufacturers, and defence and space agencies worldwide. Magellan designs and manufactures aeroengine and aerostructure assemblies and components for aerospace markets, advanced proprietary products for military and space markets, and provides engine and component repair and overhaul services worldwide. Magellan is a public company whose shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: MAL), with operating units throughout North America, Europe, and India. 

Contacts

Victoria Alberto
Marketing Manager
Kepler Communications
+1 (437) 637-0024