Amazon is preparing to launch its initial two test satellites into space as part of its “Protoflight” mission on Friday. This mission falls under Project Kuiper, which is Amazon’s initiative to establish a satellite broadband network in low Earth orbit (LEO) and compete with Elon Musk’s Starlink.
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The two prototype satellites, named KuiperSat-1 and KuiperSat-2, are the first versions of the more than 3,200 satellites that Project Kuiper plans to manufacture and deploy over the next six years. Amazon stated that these prototype satellites will assist the Project Kuiper team in enhancing the technology and operations necessary to provide fast and affordable broadband connectivity from space.
Amazon’s objective is to establish a constellation of over 3,200 satellites in low Earth orbit, in direct competition with Elon Musk’s Starlink, which currently has more than 4,000 satellites in space for providing affordable internet services. The company anticipates launching its first production satellites in the first half of 2024 and aims to commence beta testing with early commercial customers by the end of that year.
Rajeev Badyal, the vice president of technology for Project Kuiper, expressed confidence in the satellite design after extensive testing in their laboratory. However, he emphasized the importance of on-orbit testing, as it provides invaluable insights regardless of the mission’s outcome.
Amazon is about to launch its first ever satellites in a bid to rival SpaceX’s Starlink – and as is often the case, it has packaged the delivery in a container that is far too big. https://t.co/83JvBJl2Dv
— New Scientist (@newscientist) October 5, 2023
The Kuiper System comprises three essential components: advanced LEO broadband satellites, small and cost-effective customer terminals, and a secure and resilient ground-based communications network. The Protoflight mission will evaluate all three elements, as well as the teams and systems responsible for their management.
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