Amazon's Groundbreaking Step: Unleashing a Revolutionary Megaconstellation via Project Kuiper Satellites

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In a notable development, Amazon has entered the competition to create extensive constellations of satellites that can provide global internet coverage. This move positions the tech giant in direct rivalry with SpaceX and its Starlink system.

The initial pair of prototype satellites for Amazon's network, known as Project Kuiper, were successfully launched on Friday at 2:06 p.m. ET from Cape Canaveral, Florida, aboard a United Launch Alliance rocket.

Rajeev Badyal, the Vice President of Technology for Project Kuiper, expressed confidence in the satellite design following extensive testing in their lab. However, he emphasized the importance of on-orbit testing, recognizing the invaluable knowledge that will be gained from this groundbreaking mission, marking Amazon's maiden venture into space.

United Launch Alliance terminated the livestream of the launch once the first stage of its rocket, which provides the initial boost at liftoff, completed its engine firing. The company acknowledged "mission success" and, as per a news release, stated that it delivered the satellites with precision. Amazon was not able to immediately verify contact with the satellites.

In the event of a successful mission, Amazon could proceed with launching hundreds more satellites into orbit. This would eventually result in the establishment of a network comprising over 3,200 satellites working together to provide internet connectivity to the ground.

The business model utilized by Starlink, the SpaceX constellation that has experienced rapid growth since 2019, mirrors that of

. Currently, SpaceX has over 4,500 operational Starlink satellites orbiting and provides both commercial and residential services across a significant portion of the Americas, Europe, and Australia.

The Atlas V rocket carrying Amazon's prototype satellites for Project Kuiper lifted off from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida.

From United Launch Alliance

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Space-based internet services are currently undergoing a revolution in the space industry. In the past, the majority of telecommunications services were primarily dependent on costly and massive satellites positioned in geosynchronous orbit, located thousands of miles away from our planet. However, this approach faced a significant downside as the considerable distance of the satellites resulted in annoyingly long delays.

Several companies, including SpaceX, OneWeb, and Amazon, are now aiming to bring connectivity closer to home. The satellite industry has long envisaged delivering high-speed, space-based internet directly to consumers. However, previous attempts in the 1990s resulted in bankruptcy or compelled corporate owners to alter their plans due to the disproportionate costs compared to the benefits.

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The availability of cheaper satellites and reduced launch costs has led to the development of "megaconstellations" in low-Earth orbit (LEO), which are located at a distance of under 600 miles (1,000 kilometers) from Earth. In contrast to geostationary orbit, where satellites remain stationary over a specific area and provide uninterrupted service, satellites in LEO move rapidly. This is why thousands of satellites are needed to collaborate and provide complete global connectivity.

This widespread access to high-speed internet could bring about a revolutionary change. According to data from the United Nations, as of 2021, approximately 3 billion people worldwide still lack basic internet access. This is mainly due to certain regions not being reached by conventional forms of internet service, such as underground fiber optic cables.

Global implications

SpaceX is well ahead of the competition in terms of growing its service, and its efforts so far have occasionally thrust the company into geopolitical controversy.

The company received substantial backlash in late 2022 and early 2023 due to their decision of denying Ukrainian troops on the war front with Russia access to Starlink services, which were vital for Ukraine's military operations. (However, the company later changed its stance, and Elon Musk, the founder of SpaceX, addressed the Ukraine controversy in a recent book.)

If the network proves successful, there is a possibility that Amazon's Project Kuiper constellation may face comparable geopolitical pressures and be subject to the same discussions.

Gregory Falco, an assistant professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering at Cornell University, stated his curiosity regarding Amazon's intentions for dual-use capabilities, particularly in relation to government and defense clients. He also expressed concern that this could potentially lead to Kuiper being targeted similarly to Starlink in Ukraine. These discussions revolve around the controversies surrounding megaconstellations.

The global internet access revolution promised to us faces a great challenge due to the controversial nature of the massive satellite megaconstellations required to transmit internet worldwide.

Currently, there exist thousands of space debris in low-Earth orbit. With the increasing number of objects in space, the risk of catastrophic collisions escalates, worsening the problem at hand.

The Federal Communications Commission, responsible for approving satellite-based telecommunications services, has recently started improving its policies for managing space debris.

Meanwhile, the satellite industry has predominantly committed to following recommended guidelines, which include ensuring the removal of satellites after their missions are completed.

In a May blog post, Amazon previously laid out its plans for sustainability, which include ensuring its satellites are capable of maneuvering while in orbit.

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Amazon also pledged to safely deorbit the first two test satellites at the end of their mission.

In addition, astronomers have expressed ongoing concerns regarding the effects of these satellites in low-Earth orbit on the night sky. They have warned that these artificial objects can interfere with and distort telescope observations, causing complications for ongoing research.

Addressing these concerns, Amazon has released a statement assuring that one of the two prototype satellites launched on Friday will be testing antireflective technology, specifically aimed at reducing telescope interference. Furthermore, the company has been actively collaborating with astronomers from esteemed organizations like the National Science Foundation, as stated by Amazon spokesperson Brecke Boyd.

SpaceX has made similar commitments.

The business of space-based internet

The success of Project Kuiper in competing with SpaceX's Starlink is yet to be determined. Although Starlink currently has over 1 million customers, documents obtained by the Wall Street Journal indicate that SpaceX's megaconstellation hasn't achieved the level of success initially anticipated.

In terms of consumer pricing, individuals can acquire a Starlink user terminal for their homes at approximately $600, in addition to the monthly service fee.

Amazon aims to manufacture Project Kuiper terminals at a target price of approximately $400 per device, albeit without any public demonstrations or sales of said terminals. As for the monthly cost of Kuiper services, the company has not disclosed any specific figures. In contrast, SpaceX has enjoyed a distinct edge by leveraging its own Falcon 9 rockets to deploy sets of Starlink satellites into orbit.

Amazon does not possess its own rockets. Although Blue Origin, the rocket company established by Jeff Bezos, is currently developing a rocket that can achieve orbit, the project is significantly delayed.

Currently, Kuiper satellites are being launched using rockets constructed by United Launch Alliance, a closely affiliated partner of Blue Origin. Additionally, alongside ULA and Blue Origin, Amazon holds a Project Kuiper launch agreement with European launch provider Arianespace.

On August 28, Amazon faced a lawsuit from The Cleveland Bakers and Teamsters Pension Fund, one of its stakeholders, regarding the launch contracts. The lawsuit accuses Amazon executives of consciously and deliberately neglecting their fundamental fiduciary duties. It claims that by choosing not to utilize SpaceX's rockets, which are supposedly one of the most economical launch providers, for launching Project Kuiper satellites, the executives breached their responsibilities.

An Amazon spokesperson dismissed the allegations, stating, "The claims presented in this lawsuit are entirely baseless, and we are eager to demonstrate this fact through the appropriate legal procedures."

Amazon plans to launch its initial production satellites in early 2023 and offer beta testing to initial customers by the end of 2024, the company announced.