On April 5, Amazon inked what is thought to be the world's largest space agreement. The e-commerce behemoth made a significant announcement about its future Project Kuiper space venture, including 83 broadband satellites. Unfortunately, there was no mention of SpaceX on the list.
TOPSHOT - A pickup truck drives past a mural of billionaire Amazon founder Jeff Bezos (R) and his brother Mark Bezos with a Blue Origin rocket in Van Horn, Texas on October 11, 2021. - Blue Origin is scheduled to launch the New Shepard NS-18 mission to space with passengers including actor William Shatner on October 13 from West Texas, near Van Horn.
Amazon Signs Project Kuiper Deal Without SpaceX
According to Techcrunch, Amazon will launch 83 satellites as part of Project Kuiper in collaboration with Blue Origin, United Launch Alliance, and Arianespace.
The tech giant signed a contract with Blue Origin for 12 launches, while Arianespace, a European aerospace business, would be responsible for 18 missions.
Meanwhile, the business has agreed to launch 38 internet satellites with United Launch Alliance (ULA). Fifteen additional launches will be handled by Jeff Bezos' private enterprise.
When it comes to Project Kuiper, Amazon plans to build a communication constellation with 3,236 satellites in low Earth orbit.
Elon Musk's Starlink satellites, which are designed to give high-speed internet connectivity in various regions of the world, maybe compared to this business.
When the FCC approved the scheme in 2020, Amazon's intention to increase its investment went into action. The Seattle-based company claims to have already invested more than $10 billion on the project.
Despite having similar ambitions, The Verge points out that Starlink presently has an advantage over Amazon because it has previously launched over 2,000 satellites into space. According to SpaceX, Starlink has begun offering limited services throughout the planet, with 250,000 members thus far.
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Amazon to Launch Constellation of Broadband Satellites in Space Without SpaceX
The rockets will launch a number of Amazon's broadband satellite constellations into low-Earth orbit. In addition, over the next five years, Amazon will be purchasing a significant quantity of medium and heavy-lift launch capacity, ArsTechnica reported.
The corporation has purchased launches from Europe and United States suppliers, except from Amazon's primary rival - SpaceX- for the next five years.
Amazon Kuiper Prototype Satellite Test Dates
According to CNBC, the company plans to begin a trial for the prototype satellites in late 2022. The RS1 rocket from ABL Space is anticipated to launch on time.
Amazon will shift to releasing these operational satellites when the early testing is completed. According to the FCC, the corporation has not stated when the campaign will begin, but it may begin within the next six years.
Around 1,600 satellites are expected to be deployed into orbit by July 2026.
Amazon senior VP of devices and services Dave Limp said in a statement: "We still have lots of work ahead, but the team has continued to hit milestone after milestone across every aspect of our satellite system."
SpaceX Starlink to Launch Own Prototypes
Amazon's Project Kuiper, like SpaceX's, aims to provide people all around the world with a fast, possibly inexpensive broadband Internet connection. During Q4 of 2022, the business expects to launch two separate prototype satellites.
However, it has not specified a timeframe for the commencement of its final deployment, but a representative said that more information would be released later this year. According to The Verge, when it comes to having numerous satellites in low-Earth orbit, Amazon's plan is similar to that of SpaceX.
SpaceX vs. Amazon
With the launch of the new space company, fresh competition may be already forming between Amazon and Musk's SpaceX. Currently, SpaceNews said the latter has the upper hand, having deployed over 2,000 Starlink satellites for over 200,000 consumers worldwide.
On the other hand, Amazon may have discovered a means to keep up with the leading private space company's advancement. According to the IT giant, it will lower the cost of its satellite service to make it more accessible to the general people.
Amazon is expected to provide further information about the Kuiper satellites' launch. It's possible that particular details about the satellite, such as its power and design, will be revealed soon.
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