Amazon is launching satellites

Project Kuiper competes with Starlink by Spacex

Amazon wants to build a network of satellites that can provide internet access to more locations around the world. Nicknamed “Project Kuiper”, Amazon is planning on launching 3236 of these satellites to compete with SpaceX’s Starlink who already has more than 5000 satellites already in orbit.

2.6 billion (or 1/3 of the world) does not have internet access according to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), limiting their access to the outside world and the conveniences or innovations that come from the internet.

Internet access coming soon

Amazon booked three Falcon 9 rockets from SpaceX to help launch its satellites, famous for its reusable rockets.

According to Amazon, some of the most important dates of the project are:

• It launched its first set of rockets in October, 2023

• It’s expected to be used by its first set of customers by the end of 2024, according to Amazon.

• According to Space.com, Project Kuiper aims to have internet speeds of about 400 mbps by 2029, with its largest model offering 1 gbps