Amazon launches first test satellites for Kuiper internet network


By MYBRANDBOOK


Amazon launches first test satellites for Kuiper internet network

Amazon’s first pair of prototype satellites for its planned Kuiper internet network were launched into space. This is touted as the company’s first step before it deploys thousands more into orbit to beam internet service globally and compete with SpaceX’s Starlink.  

 

As it looks to deploy 3,236 more satellites in the next few years, and offer broadband internet globally, this mission aims to test Amazon’s first pieces of technology in space. This is something Elon Musk’s SpaceX is targeting with its nearly 5,000 Starlink satellites in orbit. 

 

In the days leading up to the launch, Amazon divulged few specifics about the two satellites, which were built at its satellite plant in Redmond, Washington. 

 

A United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket emblazoned with the Amazon logo lifted off from Cape Canaveral shortly after 2 p.m. Eastern time (1800 GMT), carrying the two Kuiper test satellites, a long-awaited mission Amazon initially had intended to launch using different rockets. 

 

The launch live stream hosted by the United Launch Alliance, the Boeing-Lockheed joint venture, ended shortly after the rocket’s liftoff without showing the deployment of the satellites. Amazon later said the two satellites were deployed and its mission operations center had made contact with them. 


Amazon has vowed to invest $10 billion into its Kuiper project, which was announced in 2019, the year SpaceX began deploying its first operational Starlink spacecraft. 

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