Project Kuiper to start building satellites
October 19, 2023
By Chris Forrester
Project Kuiper is the Amazon-backed broadband-by-satellite system which will comprise 3,236 craft circling the planet.
Amazon says that its first two prototype satellites now in orbit are working well. They were launched on October 6th. Further tests to further validate the technology will take place over the next few weeks.
In its statement, Amazon says that production of the satellites would begin in Kirkland, Washington “before the end of the year”.
First, however, Amazon wants to test its data network “end to end”. That involves routing data from the internet, through its Amazon Web Services (AWS)-powered ground network, from a ground gateway antenna up to the test satellites, and then down to its customer terminal antennas at its test site, as well as sending data in the other direction.
“Learnings from the [test] mission will help refine the hardware, software, and infrastructure that underpin the Kuiper System. The first of these production satellites are on track for launch in the first half of 2024, and we expect to enter beta testing with early commercial customers in the second half of 2024,” stated Amazon.