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ÅAC Microtec delivers Kepler's second satellite, CASE, now ready for launch

ÅAC has delivered its second 3U satellite to Canadian company Kepler Communications, which is set for launch later this year. The satellite was manufactured in under three months to form part of a pilot programme to demonstrate its store-and-forward data service aiming for a much larger constellation targeting as well the global IoT market and in-space connectivity.

The satellite named CASE, is the second built by AAC Clyde for Kepler. It will support the first 3U satellite KIPP, also delivered by AAC Clyde and launched early 2018. The two spacecraft are part of a pilot programme that carries Kepler's novel Software Defined Radio (SDR) and antenna array, representing the first commercial entity to launch and operate a Low-Earth Orbiting communications satellite in Ku-band.

AAC Clyde was recently awarded the contract from Kepler Communications for a further satellite, a 6U platform named TARS. TARS will expand on the success of the two 3U predecessors by carrying a full suite of upgraded communications and processing units developed by Kepler to deliver both broadband and narrowband telecommunication services. For more information about TARS please, see press release August 20, 2018.

- With CASE, we have demonstrated our ability to with short lead-times deliver reliable customer solutions for commercial applications. We look forward to continue working with Kepler Communications as they expand their operations, says Iraklis Hatziathanasiou, VP Business Development.

- CASE was an opportunity for us to quickly incorporate what we previously learned from KIPP, while also extending our service capacity and service response. The pilot KIPP and CASE programme is a great first demonstration of handling high data-volumes from global users through multiple spacecraft. It really strengthens our Global Data Service offering while we await the increased capacity and IoT capability that will come from TARS", says Jared Bottoms, Lead Systems Engineer Kepler Communications.

Kepler aims to form a considerably larger constellation based on the programme that also includes the recently ordered 6U satellite from AAC Clyde. The forthcoming GEN1 constellation will incorporate 10 more satellites set to roll-out in 2020, followed by GEN2 in 2021 with additional 50 satellites, and GEN3 in 2022 with a further 80 satellites to complete the 140-satellite constellation.

The first spacecraft in the programme, KIPP, was successfully launched into Low Earth Orbit in January 2018 from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre (JSLC) in North-western China and is performing well on-orbit. In particular, the mission has proven the operation of AAC Clyde's precision 3-axis control system and the On-Board Computer, which is a highly resilient system that has already demonstrated impressive operational uptime.

- AAC Clyde aims to take a leading position in the emerging small satellite constellation market. In delivering "Satellite as a Service", AAC Clyde combines best-in-class manufacturing capabilities, novel operational structures and cutting-edge technology to offer customers unrivalled access to space", says Craig Clark MBE, Founder of Clyde Space & CSO of AAC Clyde.

For more information about Kepler Communications: http://www.keplercommunications.com 

2018-10-09

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Please visit: www.aacmicrotec.com or contact:

CEO Alfonso Barreiro, [email protected] 
Chairman of the board Rolf Hallencreutz, [email protected] 

ABOUT ÅAC MICROTEC
ÅAC and its subsidiary Clyde Space offer a full turnkey mission service from design to on-orbit operations including reliable platforms in the range of 1 to 50 Kg; customizable to suit our customers' requirements. Our end-to-end service package enables our customers to reach their mission goals with a single, trusted point of contact. In addition we supply a full range of subsystems for cube satellites and small satellites. 

ÅAC Microtec's shares are traded on Nasdaq First North Stockholm. G&W Fondkommission, telephone +46 8 503 000 50, is the Certified Adviser.

ABOUT KEPLER COMMUNICATIONS
Kepler offers global satellite communications through its next generation satellite network. The Kepler network serves applications today from global data backhaul to Internet of Things with the long-term goal of providing connectivity beyond earth.

IR CONTACT

Mats Thideman CFO and Deputy CEO
+46 70-556 09 73 [email protected]

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