Amazon’s satellite internet unit, Kuiper, plans to send 27 satellites into space today as an initial move toward establishing a constellation aimed at competing with Starlink. But can it succeed? Let's delve deeper into this scenario.
What is Kuiper?
To put it briefly, Kuiper is - or will be - a constellation of numerous satellites designed to transmit internet traffic globally. This capability would enable individuals in isolated areas to connect to the internet even in the absence of local infrastructure.
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The concept is identical to Starlink, which is operated by SpaceX and led by Elon Musk, providing similar services. Project Kuiper is an offshoot of Amazon created in 2019 and backed by another billionaire entrepreneur, Jeff Bezos.
Amazon didn't respond to New Scientist' The request for an interview was made, however, the organization had earlier mentioned Its satellites will move faster than 27,000 kilometers per hour. And orbit the Earth roughly every 90 minutes. To get online, customers will require buy a small terminal and set it up on the rooftop of a building.
What is the release date? And what options do I have for viewing it?
Kuiper has dubbed this initial mission as KA-01, standing for Kuiper Atlas 1, and it is set for 7 PM Eastern Daylight Time on April 9th .
The satellites will be transported to orbit using a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket launching from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. According to Amazon, this mission will involve the heaviest load ever lifted by that vehicle.
United Launch Alliance intends to broadcast the mission live. on its website , beginning 20 minutes prior to launch.
Is this Kuiper's initial launch?
In October 2023, Kuiper deployed two test satellite prototypes, whereas this upcoming launch marks the debut of the definitive model, described by the firm as an "important enhancement."
It has better solar panels, propulsion systems and communications equipment, but astronomers will be thankful that another new feature is a dielectric mirror film coating designed to scatter reflected sunlight. Other companies have launched reflective satellites that severely affect imaging, which astronomers have said “truly is an existential problem for astronomy”.
Which one is leading, Starlink or Kuiper?
Starlink. By quite some way.
The US Federal Communications Commission has approved Kuiper to operate 3,236 satellites. The company stated they will begin offering internet connectivity services to customers once at least 578 of these satellites have been launched.
If today's launch succeeds, the firm will still need to send an additional 551 satellites into orbit before it starts generating income.
The firm claims it has arranged over 80 launches with various entities to send up extra satellites. Interestingly enough, some of these missions will be managed by SpaceX.
In 2019, SpaceX began sending satellites into orbit. states it possesses over 6750 satellites in orbit , catering to millions of customers. The firm is also working on a military satellite network known as Starshield, which is said to have agreements with the U.S. government .
Can Kuiper catch up?
Certainly, it still needs to cover significant ground. The advantage held by Starlink is substantial, particularly since it benefits from belonging to a company with experience in launching rockets.
Even though it doesn’t belong to Amazon, Jeff Bezos has access to the aerospace manufacturer Blue Origin, which is similarly striving to develop reusable rockets as SpaceX is doing. This effort might aid in narrowing the disparity between them.
Cybersecurity professionals are concerned that Elon Musk's DOGE could potentially allow quantum hackers to gain an advantage.
The U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology, responsible for creating encryption standards capable of safeguarding data from quantum computer attacks, could potentially face risks.
Elsewhere, Amazon might hold an edge. With hundreds of millions of active customers frequently shopping and streaming through the platform, these users could potentially be drawn to subscribe to satellite internet services offered under special promotions or incentives.
In addition, hundreds of millions of people worldwide lack a reliable internet connection, so there is a market. Only time will tell if it is large enough to sustain two major competing satellite operators, not to mention smaller players like the partly UK-owned OneWeb.
Several businesses are developing unmanned, solar-driven planes capable of lingering in the upper atmosphere for extended periods, possibly offering a more economical alternative to satellites.
It is evident, though, that having another player in the market will undoubtedly benefit the consumer.