Amazon aims to launch its first internet satellites in 2022

• Amazon filed a request with FCC to launch its prototype satellites

• Amazon’s Project Kuiper plans to build a network of 3,236 satellites in low Earth orbit

Amazon announced on Monday that it aims to launch its first Project Kuiper internet satellites in the fourth quarter of 2022.

Amazon has filed a request with the Federal Communications Commission to launch its prototype satellites—KuiperSat-1 and KuiperSat-2.

“We’ll soon be ready to see how [the satellites] perform in space,” Amazon vice president of technology Rajeev Badyal said in a statement. 

“There is no substitute for on-orbit testing, and we expect to learn a lot given the complexity and risk of operating in such a challenging environment.”

Amazon’s Project Kuiper plans to build a network of 3,236 satellites in low Earth orbit, which can provide high-speed internet anywhere in the world.

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Kuiper is set to be in tough competition with SpaceX’s Starlink network, which also launches satellites in low Earth orbit.

Last week, Amazon announced partnership with the telecom giant Verizon for high-speed satellite internet.

The launching and testing to two internet satellites would be a big achievement of Amazon in providing high-speed satellite internet.

The two satellites, which will be connected to ground stations in Texas, South America and Asia-Pacific, are expected to test company’s communications and networking capabilities.

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“KuiperSat-1 and KuiperSat-2 will include much of technology and sub-systems that power the production version of our satellite design – phased array and parabolic antennas, power and propulsion systems, custom-designed modems and more,” Amazon said in a blog post.

Amazon said that Kuiper prototypes would entirely burn up in the atmosphere at the end of their lifespan to avoid the risk of space debris.

Picture Credits: Amazon