Subj : Amazon set to launch first Project Kuiper internet satellites
To   : All
From : TechnologyDaily
Date : Fri Oct 06 2023 12:15:04

Amazon set to launch first Project Kuiper internet satellites

Date:
Fri, 06 Oct 2023 11:13:43 +0000

Description:
Amazon wants to send its Starlink-rivalling LEO broadband satellites up and 
have customers testing from 2024.

FULL STORY
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Amazon is preparing to launch a pair of prototype low Earth orbit (LEO) 
satellites as it edges closer to bringing affordable broadband to more people 
globally. 

The company also confirmed that its first production satellites will be sent 
into space in the first half of 2024, with some early commercial customers 
being able to join the beta testing program by the end of next year. 

The LEO satellite broadband program, Project Kuiper, will have more than 
3,200 satellites sharing Internet connections with terminals on the ground in 
six years time. Amazon is gearing up to take on Starlink 

Starlink, headed up by Elon Musk, already has around 5,000 satellites in low 
Earth orbit and has rolled out to residential and commercial customers. 

Speaking of the benefits of real-life testing after years of lab-based tests, 
Project Kuipers vice president of technology, Rajeev Badyal, said: This is 
Amazons first time putting satellites into space, and were going to learn an 
incredible amount regardless of how the mission unfolds. 

Amazon will use an Atlas V rocket from United Launch Alliance (ULA) to send 
its first pair of satellites up to an altitude of 500km, around 50km lower 
than Starlinks satellites. 

The Protoflight mission will test LEO broadband satellites, customer 
terminals, and a ground-based communications network in real-life conditions. 
This will involve communicating with the satellites, deploying solar arrays 
for power generation, and plenty of back-and-forth data test with its 
ground-based hardware. 

The company confirmed: At the end of the mission, we plan to actively deorbit 
both satellites before they ultimately burn up in the Earths atmospherepart 
of our commitment to space safety. 

Its too early to confirm how much Amazons LEO broadband will cost, but 
Starlink is currently priced at $120 / 75 / AU$139 per month for residential 
setups, and an additional one-off $599 / 449 / AU$599 payment to cover the 
cost of the receiver and other hardware. More from TechRadar Pro Improve your 
Internet connection at home with the best Wi-Fi routers Amazons Project 
Kuiper satellites kit and broadband speeds revealed Get the latest technology 
with these Wi-Fi 6 routers



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Link to news story:
https://www.techradar.com/pro/amazon-set-to-launch-first-project-kuiper-intern
et-satellites


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