The company initially planned to test its Internet satellites on ULA’s new Vulcan rocket earlier this year. However, the e-commerce giant suffered an unexpected blow when the rocket exploded.
Amazon On Friday, October 6, its Internet satellite “Project Kuiper” is set to take off on its first mission into space. In a recent announcement on Tuesday, the company said Project Kuiper will take “protoflight” missions to space with the launch. Two test satellites, Kuipersat-1 and Kuipersat-2.
The e-commerce giant aims to compete with SpaceX’s Starlink by building a constellation of more than 3,200 satellites in low Earth orbit to provide high-speed internet connectivity to remote and underserved areas. The move puts the company in direct competition with other major players in the sector, including HughesNet, Earthlink and Viasat.
Amazon satellite on first mission to space
The launch of satellites into space is a significant milestone for Amazon, as it is engaging in such a venture for the first time.
Rajeev Badyal, vice president of technology for Project Kuiper, acknowledged that this is the company’s first time sending satellites into space. He also revealed that Amazon has completed the testing of Project Kuiper in the laboratory and is now ready to go on its first mission to space.
“We have done extensive testing here in our laboratory and we are confident in our satellite design, but there is no substitute for in-orbit testing. “This is Amazon’s first time sending satellites into space, and no matter how the mission progresses, we will learn an incredible amount,” Badial said.
according to the company AnnouncementThe launch window for Project Kuiper is scheduled to open at 2 p.m. ET, in which an Atlas V rocket will deploy satellites about 500 kilometers across at an altitude of 311 miles, and place them in low Earth orbit.
Amazon’s first satellite launch will take place in Florida
United Launch Alliance (ULA)’s Atlas V rocket will lift two satellites into orbit from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on schedule tomorrow, Amazon said.
During the mission, the team behind the project will conduct a series of important tests. These tests include establishing initial contact with satellites, deploying solar arrays to generate power, and ensuring proper functioning of onboard electronics.
Once the satellites are connected to the Internet, the team will also test data transfer capabilities between the satellites and Earth-based customer terminals.
As part of its commitment to space safety, Amazon said it plans to deorbit both satellites after the mission before they are destroyed in Earth’s atmosphere.
Amazon could launch Project Kuiper as early as next year
The company initially planned to test its Internet satellites on ULA’s new Vulcan rocket earlier this year. However, the e-commerce giant suffered an unexpected blow when the rocket exploded.
The company responded to this challenge by changing its plans and opting to use ULA’s reliable Atlas V rocket as an alternative satellite launch vehicle.
Despite early challenges, Amazon remains steadfast in its commitment to Project Kuiper’s ambitious timelines.
The company said the satellite could still launch during the first quarter of next year. If successful, the move will be an important step toward making high-speed satellite-based Internet connectivity a reality for users around the world.
“Our first production satellites are on track for launch in the first half of 2024, and we expect to be in beta testing with early commercial customers by the end of 2024,” Amazon wrote.
Chimamanda is a crypto enthusiast and experienced writer who focuses on the dynamic world of cryptocurrencies. She joined the industry in 2019 and has since developed her interest in emerging economies. She combines her passion for blockchain technology with her love for travel and food, bringing a new and fascinating perspective to her work.
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