Amazon overhead

Vulcan Centaur. © Amazon.

Amazon is poised to launch two test satellites for Project Kuiper. This satellite internet constellation is meant to compete with services such as SpaceX Starlink and OneWeb. In a press release, the company said that these prototypes bearing the names Kuipersat-1 and Kuipersat-2 will be put into orbit in early 2023 by United Launch Alliance’s (ULA) Vulcan Centaur rocket. That’s a little later than planned, as these prototypes’ launch was originally scheduled for Q4 2022. Amazon is under deadline to send half its fleet, or 1,618 units, into space between now and 2026 if it wants to keep its FCC licence. A different rocket than the previously announced ABL Space Systems launcher has also entered the picture. Eventually, Amazon will have to call on a variety of launchers for the 3,236 satellites in its constellation. Other than the Vulcans, Arianespace and Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin rockets will also pitch in. Once its fleet of satellites is in orbit, Amazon says that it plans to “deliver fast, affordable broadband to unserved and underserved communities around the world.”

⇨ The Verge, Mitchell Clark, “Amazon’s set to launch its prototype internet satellites early next year.”

2022-10-13