Amazon has already concluded contracts on 80 rocket missions. This is the largest commercial order in history. To build a full network, Amazon intends to shoot over 3,200 satellitesand in further plans it is possible to increase this number. According to some estimates, the total cost may reach up to $ 20 billion, although the company officially allocated half as much for this purpose.
The next start is scheduled for April 9, when the Atlas V rocket with Cape Canaveral (Florida) is to amount to the first 27 satellites. It will be a mission called KA-01 (Kuiper Atlas 1). Already at this stage, Amazon admits that significant innovations are introduced, and the mission itself will be burdened with a risk accompanying the debut of full -size devices.
Check also: Starlink will gain a competitor. Blue Origin deploy Kuiper Satellites and provides internet access
Project Kuiper tested for years
Earlier, in October 2023, the company placed prototypes in orbit, thanks to which the basic systems were tested.
However, the latest satellites are to perform target functions, which requires additional caution from engineers. This is confirmed by the statement of the Vice President of Project Kuiper, Rajeeva Badyal, who pointed out that “broadly extensive ground tests were carried out, but some issues can only be verified during the real flight.”
Project Kuiper is to provide faster internet than Starlink
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Amazon
Each of the first satellite units, equipped with advanced antennas and optical systems, It will move in a low orbit (at an altitude of approx. 630 km), at a speed of about 27 359 km/h, encircling the Earth in just over 90 minutes. At the same time, Amazon draws attention to the aspect of responsibility for safety in space and the need to minimize the risk of generating cosmic garbage.
The company also declares cooperation with astronomers to reduce the negative impact of satellites on scientific observations. For this purpose, a special coating reflecting light was used on the surface of the satellites, which should limit their visibility in the night sky.
See also: One to rule everyone. Amazon surprised AI
It will be a clear competitor of Starlinek
As a global provider of Project Kiiper services, it is to ultimately offer broadband connectivity with low delays virtually the entire planet. Users will use terminal antennas.
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Amazon has prepared several variants of these devices – from the smallest, square constructions weighing about 0.5 kg and transmission capabilities up to 100 Mb/s, up to For more extensive plates, capable of providing a bandwidth of 1 Gb/sintended for commercial and corporate applications.
The company also promises that the cost of their production will not exceed $ 400. for art. However, it is not excluded that Amazon can partially subsidize devices to encourage the quick adoption of the new service.
The Giant's efforts from Seattle are aimed at providing a solution where traditional communication technologies are defective. Millions of people around the world still have no access to fast and stable internet – especially in rural areas, poorly urbanized areas or in developing countries. Kuiper's network is to make access to digital information and services cease to be limited by geographical location.
Ambitious plans assume the start of the provision of commercial services this year. However, before this happens, Amazon must meet the requirements of the Federal Communications Committee (FCC), which obliged the company to place at least half of the planned number of satellites (1618 pieces) in orbit until July 2026. The schedule looks demanding, but Amazon can use the services of many partners – from Blue Origin Jeff, through even a competitive company Spacex.
Why is a competitor needed for Starlinek? The satellite communication market dominated by one operator could lead to high prices and limited technological development. The presence of Amazon in this segment – next to Starlinek, OneWeb or Chinese Spacesail – will probably accelerate the rate of innovation and increase the availability of services thanks to new price models and more diverse offers.
Increased competition also means better quality for end recipients and creates Chances for faster filling in the digital gap in the poorest regions of the globe. For Amazon, launching Project Kuiper can further strengthen the cloud strategy, as it also uses the AWS infrastructure, which is the foundation of many internet services.
Author: Grzegorz Kubera, Business Insider Polska journalist
