Amazon has successfully launched its first satellites for Project Kuiper, the company’s planned orbital internet network. The launch took place from Cape Canaveral, Florida, with a pair of test satellites aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket. The satellites will be deployed at an altitude of 311 miles above the ground and remain in low Earth orbit for testing. These satellites are prototypes of the 3,200-plus satellites that Amazon plans to build and deploy over the next six years.
Project Kuiper is Amazon’s initiative to create a new service category to compete with Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet from SpaceX. Amazon CEO Andy Jassey has stated that the Kuiper satellite service will be a fundamental part of the company’s future business.
Originally, the plan was for Kuiper’s initial launch to be on ULA’s newest Vulcan Centaur launch vehicle. However, it was instead mounted on an Atlas V rocket. ULA’s next launch is expected to be the first with the Vulcan rocket.
Amazon aims to begin launching its operational satellites in the first half of next year, with beta testing for commercial customers planned around that time. The goal is to provide affordable broadband services to consumers, government entities, healthcare, businesses, and various organizations where there is currently limited access to fast and reliable internet. Amazon also plans to deploy Project Kuiper terminals in the event of natural disasters or emergencies to enhance internet infrastructure.
To access Amazon’s satellite internet service, the company has partnered with existing 4G and 5G network providers such as Vodafone and Vodacom. These providers will install Project Kuiper infrastructure alongside their cellular towers. More information on how to sign up for the service in other parts of the world will be available as the beta service launch approaches.
