Amazon's Project Kuiper launches prototypes for global Internet access
Tags: Science and Technology
Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN.O) successfully launched its first two prototype satellites, KuiperSat-1 and KuiperSat-2, into low Earth orbit (LEO) at an altitude of 500 kilometers (311 miles) as part of the "Protoflight" mission of Project Kuiper.
An Overview of the News
The launch was performed using a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, United States.
About Project Kuiper:
Project Kuiper is a satellite system composed of satellites operating in LEO at altitudes between 590 and 630 kilometers (about 367 to 391 miles).
Its primary objective is to provide fast and affordable internet access to over 10 million underserved communities globally.
The project plans to deploy 3,236 satellites, spaced carefully to minimize overlap.
Launch Agreements and Partnerships:
Amazon has partnered with three commercial space companies - Arianespace, Blue Origin, and United Launch Alliance - to facilitate satellite launches.
These companies will launch 83 rockets to deploy the Kuiper satellites.
The project represents the largest commercial procurement of space launch services in history.
Important Points:
Project Kuiper faces competition from SpaceX's Starlink project, which shares the same goal of providing global Internet coverage through a satellite constellation.
Amazon.com, Inc. Headquartered in Seattle, Washington, United States, it is led by Chairman and CEO Andy Jassy and was founded in 1994.
The project's launch agreements include 38 launches on ULA's Vulcan Centaur rocket, 18 launches on Arianespace's Ariane 6 rocket, and 12 launches on Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket, with an option for 15 additional launches.
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