Amazon has officially entered the competition to create extensive satellite constellations providing global internet coverage, putting the tech giant in direct rivalry with SpaceX and its Starlink system.
The first two prototype satellites for Amazon’s initiative, known as Project Kuiper, were successfully launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, at 2:06 p.m. ET on Friday, carried by a United Launch Alliance rocket.
Rajeev Badyal, Vice President of Technology for Project Kuiper, expressed confidence in their satellite design, emphasizing the need for on-orbit testing as Amazon embarked on its maiden satellite venture.
United Launch Alliance ceased the live broadcast after the rocket’s initial boost phase, confirming “mission success” and precise satellite delivery. Amazon awaited confirmation of contact with the satellites.
A successful mission could pave the way for Amazon to deploy hundreds more satellites, ultimately forming a network exceeding 3,200 satellites that will collaboratively provide internet connectivity to the ground—a business model mirroring SpaceX’s Starlink, which has rapidly expanded since 2019 and operates over 4,500 active satellites, offering services across the Americas, Europe, and Australia.
Space-Based Internet: The space industry is currently undergoing a transformative period. Traditional space-based telecommunications relied on large, expensive geosynchronous satellites positioned thousands of miles from Earth, resulting in frustrating latency.
Companies like SpaceX, OneWeb, and Amazon aim to bring high-speed, space-based internet closer to Earth, with low-Earth orbit (LEO) “megaconstellations” situated at altitudes of less than 600 miles. Unlike geostationary orbit, where satellites remain fixed over specific areas, LEO satellites orbit at high speeds, necessitating thousands of satellites to work in unison for comprehensive global connectivity.
This endeavor holds the potential to revolutionize internet access, particularly addressing the nearly 3 billion people worldwide lacking basic connectivity, primarily in areas beyond traditional internet infrastructure reach.
Challenges and Controversies: While promising, megaconstellations also pose challenges and controversies. Low-Earth orbit is already populated with thousands of objects, increasing collision risks. Regulatory bodies like the Federal Communications Commission are enhancing space debris mitigation policies.
Both Amazon and SpaceX have committed to safely deorbit satellites when their missions conclude. Astronomers have raised concerns about the impact on the night sky and telescope observations, leading companies to develop anti-reflective technology and consult with astronomers.
Competition and Pricing: SpaceX’s Starlink has a head start with over 1 million subscribers, but recent documents suggest it may not have met initial projections.
In terms of pricing, Starlink offers user terminals for approximately $600 plus monthly service fees. Amazon aims to produce Project Kuiper terminals for about $400 each but has not disclosed monthly service pricing.
Amazon relies on launch providers like United Launch Alliance, Blue Origin, and Arianespace, as it lacks its own rockets. Legal challenges have arisen, alleging the company bypassed cost-effective launch options.
Amazon plans to launch its first production satellites in early 2024, offering beta testing to initial customers by the end of 2024, provided the project progresses successfully.
Global Impact: SpaceX has taken a significant lead in expanding its services, occasionally thrusting the company into geopolitical disputes. Notably, in late 2022 and early 2023, SpaceX faced criticism for denying Ukrainian troops access to Starlink services, which were vital for Ukraine’s military operations. However, the company later reversed its decision, and SpaceX founder Elon Musk addressed the Ukraine controversy in a recent book.
If Amazon’s Project Kuiper constellation proves successful, it may also encounter geopolitical pressures, potentially resembling the challenges faced by Starlink.
Gregory Falco, an assistant professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering at Cornell University, raised questions about Amazon’s potential dual-use capabilities, where government and defense could become significant clients, potentially leading to challenges akin to those faced by Starlink in Ukraine.
Controversies Surrounding Megaconstellations: Despite the promise of a global internet access revolution, the massive satellite megaconstellations required to provide internet coverage worldwide are met with controversy.
Low-Earth orbit already houses thousands of space debris pieces, increasing the risk of collisions and exacerbating the issue. The Federal Communications Commission, responsible for authorizing space-based telecom services, has recently strengthened its space debris mitigation policies.
The satellite industry has largely committed to adhering to recommended best practices, including deorbiting satellites as missions conclude. Amazon, in a May blog post, outlined its sustainability plans, ensuring satellite maneuverability while in orbit and committing to safely deorbit the initial two test satellites.
Astronomers have persistently raised concerns about the impact of these satellites in low-Earth orbit on the night sky, potentially disturbing telescope observations and complicating research. Amazon addressed these concerns by stating that one of its prototype satellites launched on Friday will test anti-reflective technology to mitigate telescope interference. The company has also engaged with astronomers from organizations like the National Science Foundation.
SpaceX has made similar commitments to address these concerns.
Space-Based Internet Business: The competitiveness between Project Kuiper and Starlink remains to be seen. While Starlink boasts over 1 million customers, recent documents obtained by the Wall Street Journal indicate that SpaceX’s megaconstellation has not achieved its initial projections.
Regarding consumer pricing, Starlink offers home user terminals for approximately $600 plus monthly service fees. Amazon envisions producing Project Kuiper terminals for around $400 per device but has not yet demonstrated or offered them for sale. Pricing for monthly Kuiper services remains undisclosed.
SpaceX enjoys a distinct advantage by using its Falcon 9 rockets to launch Starlink satellites into orbit.
In contrast, Amazon lacks its own rocket infrastructure. Although Blue Origin, founded by Jeff Bezos, is developing rockets capable of reaching orbit, the project faces delays.
Currently, Kuiper satellites are launched on rockets provided by United Launch Alliance, a close partner of Blue Origin. Amazon has also secured a Project Kuiper launch contract with European launch provider Arianespace.
On August 28, The Cleveland Bakers and Teamsters Pension Fund, an Amazon stakeholder, filed a lawsuit against the company regarding launch contracts. The suit alleges that Amazon executives breached fiduciary responsibilities by not selecting SpaceX, known for cost-effective launches.
An Amazon spokesperson dismissed the lawsuit’s claims as without merit, expressing confidence in addressing them through the legal process.
Amazon plans to launch its first production satellites early next year and initiate beta testing for initial customers by the end of 2024, provided all goes according to plan, as stated in a news release.
Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Euro Currents journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.