Amazon has revealed details of its Project Kuiper satellite program, which is intended to compete with SpaceX’s Starlink, which dominates the internet service market. The company said it has completed the design phase and is set to begin large-scale production of custom antennas.
Image source: Amazon
To ensure the reliability of the hardware, Project Kuiper is being tested in a variety of climates, including extreme cold. In addition, as PCMag reports, the ground infrastructure is being actively built. Melissa Wuerl, senior manager of satellite launches, noted that the company has already installed numerous stations, including in Australia and Germany, and is adding more every month.
The project also includes the development of antennas for use on board passenger aircraft, with Airbus as a partner in integrating satellite internet into aviation. Interestingly, Starlink is taking similar steps, collaborating with airlines such as United.
Amazon is preparing three models of receiving devices. The standard model will be able to provide speeds of up to 400 Mbps, a compact portable antenna – up to 100 Mbps, and the corporate version will transmit data at speeds of up to 1 Gbps. Prices for the equipment have not yet been disclosed.
But launching satellites remains a major challenge for Amazon. The company says it has more than 80 launch contracts, but many of them are dependent on new rockets, including Blue Origin’s New Glenn, which is still undergoing testing. As a result, launch dates are constantly being pushed back. Still, Amazon plans to launch its first 27 Kuiper satellites tomorrow, at 7 p.m. ET (03:00 Moscow time).
It is also noted that, according to the requirements of the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Amazon is obliged to launch half of the planned 3,200 satellites into orbit by July 2026. Otherwise, the company risks losing its license to operate the system, although, according to the regulations, it can apply for an extension.