Satellite - based internet has emerged as the next boulevard for mobile connectivity . At the minute , Elon Musk - run SpaceX issitting at the top of the nutrient chainwith itsStarlink constellation of satellites . From deals with airline carrier wave forproviding in - flight Wi - Fito partnershipscovering mobile twist with T - Mobile , Starlink satellitesare now work even in state of war zones .
It will soon have somehot rivalry from Amazon . The troupe has annunciate that it will launch its first tidy sum of 27 planet on April 9 , as part of the “ KA-01 ” Kuiper Atlas 1 mission . It ks the first full - scale deployment of artificial satellite as part of the challenging Project Kuiper , which hop to make a constellation of 3,200 artificial satellite in low - Earth compass .
Small beginnings, ambitious plans
Amazon notes that so far , it has secured the launching of over 80 satellites for the first mesh phase angle . Just like SpaceX and its Starlink system , Project Kuiper is also promising high - upper , downhearted - response time internet connection for virtually any positioning across the humankind .
The company says Project Kuiper will startoffering cyberspace servicesby the end of 2025 . The satellites will be launched atop the most brawny configuration of ULA ’s Atlas V rocket , which includes a total of six massive booster shot engines .
In the coming years , the Atlas V will extend over half a twelve satellite launch missionary station , while the bigger Vulcan Centaur rocket will cover a total of 38 satellite injection trips . Arianespace , Blue Origin , and SpaceX will also share some of the launch duties .
ULA
The roadmap ahead
“ This will be the first metre we ’ve fell our last satellite design and the first time we ’ve deployed so many satellite at once , ” state Rajeev Badyal , VP of Project Kuiper at Amazon . “ No matter how the missionary post unfolds , this is just the start of our journey , and we have all the pieces in place to larn and adapt as we prepare to launch again and again over the come year
For comparison , SpaceX has already set in motion thousands of Starlink satellites and offers its net services in more than a hundred countries . Aside from its consumer - look business , the company has even bagged government and military contract , while SpaceX shoulders NASA deputation obligation , let in theArtemis task .
The company has been test prototype satellites since 2023 , and they resist out good manners of a unique insulator mirror picture show that reflects sunlight and keep them from interpose with the view of ground - found telescopes . Obstruction andnight - sky pollutionhave latelyraised concerns within the scientific communitydue to satellite and other man - made cloth floating in scope .
