Amazon has launched the first batch of units of its new Kuiper satellite internet system into orbit. According to the developers’ plans, it will have to compete with Starlink.
Amazon first announced its intention to build a satellite constellation designed to provide global broadband internet access service in 2019. It was named Project Kuiper. In the initial configuration, the constellation will consist of 3,226 vehicles. In the future, it can be expanded by adding more satellites.
The first two Kuiper satellite prototypes went into space in 2023. The experience gained during their operation was used in the development of serial vehicles, which should form the core of the system. They were also coated with a special dielectric mirror film. It scatters reflected sunlight, which should make them less visible to astronomers. They actively oppose the rapidly growing constellations of low-orbit satellites, arguing that they interfere with observations.
After several postponements due to bad weather, the first batch of 27 working vehicles was launched on April 28 to Cape Canaveral Space Center. The Atlas V rocket successfully placed them into an initial 450-kilometer orbit. Later, they will use their own engines to reach an operational 630-kilometer orbit.
This is just the first step toward building the Kuiper system. Over the next few years, there will be seven more Atlas V launches and 38 more launches on the Vulcan Centaur rocket. Another 30-plus launches are planned on Ariane 6, New Glenn and Falcon 9 rockets. The total value of launch contracts for Kuiper vehicle deployments exceeds $10 billion.
According to Phys.org
