Amazon has named a launch date for the first working batch of Kuiper satellites. According to the developers’ plan, it should compete with the Starlink satellite internet system.
In 2019, Amazon announced its intention to build a satellite constellation designed to provide global broadband internet access service. 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.
In 2023, the first two prototype Kuiper satellites were launched. According to the company’s statement, the experience gained during their operation will enable significant improvements in the performance of all systems and subsystems on board the production vehicles. In addition, the satellites were coated with a special dielectric mirror film. It scatters reflected sunlight, which should make them less visible to astronomers.
The launch of the first batch of Kuiper satellites will take place on April 9. During the mission, called KA-01, an Atlas V rocket will launch 27 satellites into orbit. They will be the heaviest payload ever placed aboard an Atlas V. Therefore, its most powerful configuration will be used for the launch. The rocket is equipped with five additional side-mounted solid rocket boosters and a 5.4-meter-long head fairing.
Initially, the satellites will be launched into a 450-kilometer orbit. Once separated from the rocket, they will begin a series of automated actions to activate onboard systems and use their electric propulsion systems to gradually ascend to an operational 630-kilometer orbit.
The launch of KA-01 will be the first step toward deploying the constellation. 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.
