Amazon is set to send two Project Kuiper test satellites, known as KuiperSat-1 and KuiperSat-2, into orbit on October 6th. Riding aboard the United Launch Alliance's Atlas V rocket, these satellites mark Amazon's entry into the realm of internet satellites.
The launch will occur at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, with a two-hour launch window opening at 2 PM ET. Once in orbit at 311 miles above Earth, the Project Kuiper team will conduct various tests, including establishing communication and deploying solar arrays for power. Upon connecting to the internet, they'll attempt data transmission between the satellites and a customer terminal on Earth. After the mission, Amazon plans to safely deorbit the satellites, allowing them to disintegrate in Earth's atmosphere.
Project Kuiper's vice president of technology, Rajeev Badyal, emphasizes the importance of on-orbit testing, as this is Amazon's maiden satellite venture. Despite previous setbacks due to a rocket explosion, Amazon remains optimistic, targeting the launch of production satellites in early 2024, with beta testing commencing by the year's end. Their ultimate goal is a constellation of over 3,200 satellites, positioning them to compete with Elon Musk's Starlink, which currently boasts over 4,000 satellites in orbit.
© Copyright 2023. All Rights Reserved Powered by Vygr Media.
