Not long from now, more people may have access to internet from space. Right now some can use satellite internet. One big provider everyone knows is Starlink. Viasat and Hughesnet also offer internet from satellites. However, Amazon wants in on the action too with their Project Kuiper.
What is Project Kuiper about?
Amazon announced in 2018 they want to send up satellites to beam internet from space. They plan to launch 3,000 small satellites called Kuipers. Kuipers will orbit Earth fairly close, between 190 and 370 miles up. Being nearer Earth means Kuipers can give fast internet for video calls, online games and HD streaming.
Amazon thinks internet from Kuipers could reach billions without good ground internet. This could help people in areas cables can’t reach easily or cheaply. Remote towns, schools in far places, hospitals and governments may benefit. AWS, Amazon’s cloud computing, will run the Kuiper network securely.
How many satellites will there be?
Regulators allow Amazon to put up 3,232 Kuipers total. Amazon launched two test satellites in late 2023. Trials worked well and they will take the satellites down soon. Most Kuipers will fly up starting late 2024 on an Atlas rocket. While later than planned, Amazon says service should start for customers in 2025. Other rocket providers like SpaceX and Blue Origin may help too with launches.
What will users see?
Amazon wants Kuiper internet to be affordable. There will likely be options. A small flat dish about 7 inches across could offer speeds up to 100Mbps. A larger 11-inch dish may reach 400Mbps. For companies, a huge 30-inch dish could hit 1Gbps. Pricing plans are unknown, but Amazon aims to keep costs low like other devices. Regional prices may vary too.
Kuipers will have their own propulsion to move out of the way of space junk. And orbiting lower means they naturally fall from the sky sooner if no longer used. Each Kuiper stays within a tight altitude range as well to not crowd other satellites. Amazon designs Kuipers to reenter Earth’s atmosphere safely within a year after retiring.
How does Kuiper compare to Starlink?
Both projects aim to offer fast, low-latency internet worldwide. Starlink currently gives different service levels to choose from for homes, businesses, and mobiles. When starting out, options were simpler. Kuiper and Starlink have similar goals but Starlink is more established now. Only time will tell how Amazon’s Project Kuiper stacks up once it gets going too.
