Amazon is advancing its satellite internet project, announcing on April 2 that it will proceed with Project Kuiper. The initiative, which includes a batch of 27 satellites set to launch on April 9, aims to compete with Elon Musk’s Starlink.
Amazon’s First Large-Scale Satellite Deployment
Project Kuiper is designed to provide global internet access, according to Amazon. The company initially secured its launch agreements in 2022.
On April 9, a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket will transport the 27 satellites from Cape Canaveral, Florida, to a low Earth orbit approximately 280 miles above the planet. This marks Amazon’s first full deployment of internet satellites, with plans to eventually launch a total of 3,200 in multiple phases.
Rajeev Badyal, vice president of Project Kuiper, emphasized the significance of the launch, stating, “We’ve conducted extensive ground testing, but there are aspects we can only evaluate in flight. This mission will mark the first deployment of our final satellite design and the largest launch of Kuiper satellites to date.”
Amazon previously tested two prototype satellites in October 2023, successfully enabling a two-way video call via satellite internet.
To minimize disruptions to astronomical observations, the company applied a dielectric mirror film to reduce the satellites’ reflectivity.
The launch is a milestone for the Atlas V rocket, as Project Kuiper’s payload will be the heaviest it has ever carried. Future Kuiper launches will use a variety of launch vehicles, including the Atlas V, ULA’s Vulcan Centaur, and rockets from Arianespace, Blue Origin, and SpaceX.
Competition in the Satellite Internet Market
Starlink, the dominant satellite internet provider, currently serves over five million users across 125 countries, according to Reuters. T-Mobile has also partnered with Starlink to provide connectivity in remote U.S. locations without traditional wireless coverage. Satellite internet plays a crucial role in government, military, and intelligence communications.
Although Amazon has not yet released Project Kuiper routers, its existing cloud infrastructure could eventually support space-based communication services.
