Technology
Friday, October 6th, 2023 5:57 pm EDT
Key Points
- Amazon is set to launch the first pair of prototypes for its Project Kuiper satellite internet system, which aims to build a network of 3,236 satellites in low Earth orbit to provide global high-speed internet access. This marks a significant milestone in Amazon’s ambitious plan, which involves an investment of over $10 billion.
- The two satellites, named Kuipersat-1 and Kuipersat-2, will be launched into low Earth orbit by United Launch Alliance’s Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida. The launch is a crucial step to test the on-orbit functionality of the satellites.
- Amazon’s Project Kuiper faces competition from SpaceX’s Starlink, which has already grown its satellite internet service to over 2 million customers. While Amazon is playing catch-up, it has committed to launching its first production Kuiper satellites in the first half of the next year and plans to begin beta testing the network with customers by the end of 2024.
Amazon is preparing to launch the first pair of prototypes for its Project Kuiper satellite internet system, marking a significant step in its plan to build a global satellite internet network. Project Kuiper aims to deploy 3,236 satellites in low Earth orbit to provide high-speed internet access worldwide, with an investment of over $10 billion. The “Protoflight” mission will see United Launch Alliance’s Atlas V rocket carry two satellites, Kuipersat-1 and Kuipersat-2, into orbit from Cape Canaveral, Florida. This move follows Amazon’s commitment to launching its first production Kuiper satellites next year and initiating customer beta testing by the end of 2024.
The choice of the Atlas V rocket for this mission comes after Amazon switched launch providers multiple times due to various delays. Amazon had originally planned to launch on ABL Space’s RS1 rocket but encountered delays in RS1’s development. Subsequently, they considered United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan rocket, which also experienced delays in its debut. Finally, Amazon settled on the Atlas V rocket, which is readily available but more powerful than required for this mission.
Details about the size and design of Amazon’s satellites remain limited, with the company only sharing images of the shipping containers used for transport. Amazon’s Project Kuiper is a direct competitor to SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service, which has already gained over 2 million customers.
Amazon’s massive purchase of 77 satellite launches from various providers, including United Launch Alliance, Arianespace, and Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin, has drawn scrutiny due to allegations of sidelining SpaceX in favor of personal rivalries. While Amazon is playing catch-up, it aims to offer competitive satellite internet services and contribute to closing the global digital divide.
For full original article on CNBC, please click here: https://www.cnbc.com/2023/10/06/amazon-launch-project-kuiper-satellite-internet-prototypes.html
