Amazon launches first two satellites for orbital internet connectivity.

Friday afternoon saw the launch of test satellites for Project Kuiper, a Starlink competitor by Amazon.

On Friday, Amazon initiated the launch of its first two prototype satellites into space, marking the company’s entry into satellite deployment. The launch is part of Amazon’s Project Kuiper, competing against Elon Musk’s SpaceX in establishing a global broadband internet network. The test satellites, Kuipersat-1 and Kuipersat-2, were launched from Florida’s Cape Canaveral Space Force Station within a two-hour window starting at 2 pm EDT. Positioned approximately 311 miles above Earth, they will undergo system tests, deploy solar arrays, and attempt to transmit internet connections to Earth.

Rajeev Badyal, Vice President of Technology for Project Kuiper, stated, “This marks Amazon’s inaugural venture into satellite deployment, and we anticipate gaining invaluable insights.” Amazon aims to provide high-speed internet to communities lacking access. Project Kuiper plans to launch over 3,200 satellites in the next six years, with at least half in orbit by mid-2026 per FCC requirements. Amazon targets commencing service for some customers by late 2024.

However, challenges exist with SpaceX’s Starlink already having around 5,000 satellites and OneWeb having nearly 650 in orbit. Project Kuiper faced setbacks, originally planning to launch with ABL Space Systems last year, but a rocket failure led to a delay. The satellites were later relocated to ULA’s Vulcan Centaur inaugural mission, delayed until late 2023.

Frequently hailed as the future of internet connectivity, satellite internet holds the potential to narrow the digital divide by providing high-speed access to those in rural or inaccessible areas. Additionally, it could function as a crucial backup in the face of natural disasters, such as hurricanes disrupting traditional communication networks.

However, concerns have arisen within the scientific community due to the race to deploy a “megaconstellation” involving thousands of satellites. Some astronomers advocate for restricting the number of low-altitude satellites to mitigate light pollution and preserve our ability to study the night sky. A conference organized by the International Astronomical Union this week aimed to address these concerns, acknowledging both substantial potential benefits for humanity and significant associated concerns.

Moreover, there are apprehensions about relying on global satellite communications that are subject to the decisions of two longstanding rival billionaires with ambitious agendas. In a recent development, Musk openly acknowledged denying access to his Starlink network to thwart a Ukrainian drone attack on a Russian naval fleet. Musk had previously issued threats to suspend Starlink communications at various stages of the conflict, but this admission marked the first instance of him actually interrupting Ukrainian forces during a specific operation.