All you need to know about Amazon's Kuiper satellites after their successful full-scale launch
Amazon's project Kuiper is an ambitious initiative that aims to deliver fast and reliable internet around the globe. This project aims to bring the internet to unserved and underserved areas around the globe, which, according to Reuters, makes SpaceX's Starlink a direct competitor to Amazon.
While Kuiper is modeled to look different from SpaceX satellites, both are designed to increase connectivity across the globe. Kuiper aims to provide access in the remote corners of the world where traditional broadband, which relies on underground wires, is lacking. As per Amazon, these advanced spacecraft feature phased array antennas for high-bandwidth communication, onboard processors for efficient data routing, solar arrays for power, and propulsion systems for orbital maneuvering. The satellites are also coated in a dielectric mirror film unique to Kuiper that scatters reflected sunlight to help make them less visible to ground-based astronomers.
This all started in 2018 when Amazon began research and development on Project Kuiper. In July 2020, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) granted Amazon a license to deploy and operate Project Kuiper satellites. On April 28, at 7 p.m. EST, the first batch of 27 satellites was launched by United Launch Alliance from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida after bad weather meant an initial launch attempt on April 9 was abandoned, as stated by The Guardian. Each satellite will be orbiting around 280 miles above Earth. This is slightly lower than the 340 miles in altitude at which Starlink satellites operate, according to CNN.
Amazon's initial stationing involves 27 operational satellites aboard ULA Atlas V rocket. Working towards the long-term plan, United Launch Alliance (ULA) CEO Tory Bruno recently stated in an interview with Reuters that the company can launch as many as five additional Kuiper missions before the end of the year. According to a 2020 FCC filing by Amazon, initial Kuiper satellite internet service could be available in some northern and southern areas with 578 satellites in orbit, with broader equatorial coverage following subsequent launches. To achieve this, Amazon in 2022 booked 83 rocket launches with ULA, Arianespace, Blue Origin, and SpaceX. And these satellites will orbit between 367 and 392 miles, as per Amazon.
Amazon claims that the internet speed provided by project Kuiper ranges from 100 Mbps and can go up to 400 Mbps for their standard model. While the range starts from 100 Mbps, their largest model can get up to 1 Gbps, which is intended for enterprises, government, and telecommunication applications. Kuiper, designed for affordability, will come in various sizes, with the standard model expected to be 77 feet (23.5 meters) high and 16.4 feet (5 meters) wide and capable of delivering up to 400 Mbps. The rocket will also include five solid rocket boosters in addition to its main booster.
Amazon's commitment to operating safely and responsibly in space tells us how it's ready to compete with SpaceX's Starlink. These satellites are designed to minimize space debris, and they are also collaborating with astronomers to prevent interference with scientific research and reduce satellite visibility. Project Kuiper represents a significant investment in the future of global connectivity, as per Amazon.
