The blue planet is surrounded by Elon Musk’s Starlink satellites, providing internet and communication services. However, now in the space race, it’s not alone. It has a formidable competitor. Amazon has its sights set on the skies. The company is gearing up to launch the first internet satellites for Project Kuiper, which is planned to rival Starlink. The name Project Kuiper takes inspiration from the farthest region of our Solar System, the Kuiper Belt. Here are the details…
Amazon Takes Its First Step into Space with Project Kuiper’s First Satellites!
Amazon is inching closer to its goal of providing affordable broadband to more people worldwide. The company is gearing up to launch a pair of prototype Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites in the near future. With this, Amazon aims to conduct space-based tests for the satellites it plans to deploy for Project Kuiper. The mission involving these prototype satellites is named Protoflight.
After years of laboratory-based testing, Amazon is embarking on real-world tests. Rajeev Badyal, the Vice President of Technology for Project Kuiper, stated, ”This will be Amazon’s first launch of a satellite. This is a test mission, so it’s all about learning.”
Amazon plans to send its first pair of satellites to an altitude of 500 km, approximately 50 km lower than Starlink satellites, using the United Launch Alliance’s (ULA) Atlas V rocket for the Protoflight mission. During this mission, the company will observe the condition of the prototype satellites in space conditions.
This move will enable Amazon to test its LEO broadband satellites, customer terminals, and ground communication network in real-world conditions. The company will attempt to communicate with the satellites in actual space conditions and conduct numerous tests related to ground-based equipment.
Amazon stated, “At the end of the mission, we plan to actively deorbit both satellites, consistent with international best practices and guidelines to prevent adding to the problem of space debris.” This reflects the company’s commitment to space safety.
While Elon Musk’s Starlink satellites are already orbiting the blue planet, with about 5,000 satellites in low Earth orbit, Amazon still has a long way to go. However, the company is steadily progressing on its path. Amazon plans to launch its first production satellites into space in the first half of 2024. The company has confirmed that some early commercial customers may be able to join the beta test program by the end of next year.
Additionally, Amazon aims to complete the Project Kuiper project within six years. According to the company’s plans, during this period, more than 3,200 satellites in low Earth orbit will provide internet services, sharing connections with ground-based terminals.
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