Amazon has successfully tested two prototype satellites for its satellite internet network called ‘Project Kuiper.’ These satellites have performed well in orbit, achieving a 100% success rate in different tests.
Amazon recently announced that within 30 days of launching KuiperSat-1 and KuiperSat-2 in October, all the essential systems and parts on the two prototypes performed as expected or even better.
They used these tests to show how they can stream high-quality videos on Prime Video, have video calls where people can see each other, and buy things on Amazon using the satellite network.
Amazon is progressing with Project Kuiper and plans to start making a lot of satellites. They aim to have everything up and running by the first half 2024. We will start testing our product with a small group of customers later this year.
Vodafone and Verizon are said to be the first telecom companies to try out the service during its testing phase. The release for specific areas is planned for 2025.
Amazon wants to put 3,226 satellites in space for their Project Kuiper. They will do this over the next six years.
Three different internet plans are available: Standard, Pro, and Portable. Standard is excellent for tiny homes and can give you internet speeds of up to 400Mbps. Pro is designed for businesses and can provide rates of up to 1Gbps. Portable is a good option for on-the-go use and can offer speeds of up to 100Mbps.
Amazon wants to bring fast and affordable internet to communities that currently don’t have access to it through a project called Project Kuiper. So, we can expect lower prices than Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite internet service provided by SpaceX.
Starlink has sent more than 5,000 satellites into space around Earth since 2019. SpaceX wants to increase that number to 12,000 satellites.