Amazon Project Kuiper

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Thought this should probably have its own thread now.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1737186369678516376

View: https://twitter.com/joroulette/status/1737186369678516376

Here's the first pic of one of Amazon's prototype Kuiper satellites, as it flies over Hawaii in orbit on Oct 6. Kuiper chief Rajeev Badyal recently shared it on LinkedIn

https://twitter.com/x/status/1735313941541126154

View: https://twitter.com/thesheetztweetz/status/1735313941541126154

Amazon tested laser links with its Kuiper prototype satellites, maintaining a connection of 100 Gbps across multiple tests.

The company plans to include optical inter-satellite links from the outset in production satellites launching next year:

Amazon to connect Kuiper satellites with laser links to boost space internet network

Traditionally, satellites are limited to sending data between an individual spacecraft and the ground. Laser links connect satellites to one another.

www.cnbc.com

 

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Project Kuiper: Amazon's Satellite Internet to compete with Starlink

Dec 12, 2023
Amazon's Project Kuiper will provide internet service via 3,236 satellites, competing with SpaceX Starlink and others. The October 6 test launch was declared a success, so deployment will start in 2024. The system is compared to Starlink, considering issues such as the apparent lack of inter-satellite links at least in the initial phases. Also, Amazon finally contracted for 3 Falcon 9 launches. If more are purchased, that could help it meet its difficult goals of launching enough satellites to keep its license. At a minimum, the 3 launches should relieve pressure from a shareholder lawsuit and potential challenges if a deadline extension is needed. Now, every active Starlink competitor does or will use SpaceX launches!

This video is also a segment in the December 9, 2023 Monthly Space News.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJvPAEin1jk

Our first look at a Project Kuiper satellite in space

Congrats to the team at @amazon on a successful launch and deployment. Can't wait to see more in space!

https://twitter.com/x/status/1734332865910075609

View: https://twitter.com/heospace/status/1734332865910075609

 

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A small update.

Amazon's launch of its first operational satellites will be "in the coming months," a spokesperson says

https://twitter.com/x/status/1793654976994025589

View: https://twitter.com/joroulette/status/1793654976994025589

 

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https://twitter.com/x/status/1882844628745170992

View: https://twitter.com/amazon/status/1882844628745170992

Project Kuiper update! Another batch of production satellites for our low Earth orbit internet constellation is on its way to Cape Canaveral, FL. These satellites, built to withstand the harsh conditions of space and the journey there, will be processed upon arrival to get them ready for launch.

Before shipping these satellites, we put each one through a series of tests that include:

Performance testing in a vacuum chamber to replicate outer space
Vibration and acoustic testing to simulate rocket launch conditions
Thermal heating and cooling cycles that simulate temperature changes the satellites will experience in space

These satellites will bring fast, reliable internet to customers even in remote areas. Stay tuned for our first launch this year.