Toronto, Ontario
Canada is a world leader in satellite communications, an industry that contributes billions of dollars to the Canadian economy each year and supports thousands of good-paying jobs. The federal government is committed to strengthening this crucial sector of our economy through key investments that will cement Canada's global leadership position and expertise in space.
Today, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, announced a $20 million investment through the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) to support Kepler Communications' development of the Aether constellation and its in-orbit, high-speed connectivity network, a project valued at $280.3 million. Kepler Communications, a Canadian leader in small satellite mass manufacturing, also received $2 million in funding for this project from the Canadian Space Agency in September 2024.
Today's investment will advance Canada's satellite communications capabilities to deliver higher-speed data relay between space and the earth by using optical intersatellite link laser technology. These SIF contributions will also enable Kepler to create 95 full-time jobs and 346 future co-op positions for students. Kepler will undertake this work at its headquarters in Toronto, Ontario.
The federal government is committed to strengthening the Canadian space sector's leadership in space exploration, science and innovation.