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(Pocket-lint) – Amazon is about to launch its first two prototype satellites for Undertaking Kuiper – however solely as a part of a check.The corporate – very similar to SpaceX’s Starlink and different bold tech companies – has been engaged on a satellite-internet challenge. Its model, Undertaking Kuiper, will finally encompass over 3,000 satellites – all assembled in a low-Earth orbit constellation and beaming low-latency broadband web protection.Undertaking Kuiper goals to launch its first two prototype satellites by the tip of 2022 – or by the fourth quarter, particularly. Amazon has even filed a “Request for Experimental Authorization” launch license with the US Federal Communications Fee for 2 prototypes: The KuiperSat-1 and the KuiperSat-2. Presently, Undertaking Kuiper’s two prototype satellites are set to launch by way of a brand new rocket, known as the RS1, that is made by California startup ABL House Techniques.The aim is to supply rural communities and different areas with web providers. Starlink, SpaceX’s broadband web satellite tv for pc constellation, has the identical goal; it is sending almost 12,000 into low orbit round Earth and has really launched greater than 1,700. It even has a beta program for customers.Amazon, due to this fact, has plenty of catching as much as do. Its first two prototypes will function at 366 miles above Earth. They function antennas, modems, energy, and propulsion. In area, they may try to attach with 4 of Kuiper’s person terminals and a floor station in Texas that may ship and obtain broadband indicators. Kuiper has already accomplished some testing on the bottom with its terminals, claiming to hit most throughput speeds of as much as 400Mbps.For reference, Starlink’s beta program claims obtain speeds as much as 100Mbps and 200Mbps.It is price noting some astronomers have been complaining not too long ago that a lot of these satellite tv for pc constellations may disrupt observations of the night time sky. So, to assist offset that, Amazon mentioned it’s been “working with astronomers and others within the trade to scale back the visibility of Kuiper System satellites”.It is even together with a sunshade on one of many prototype satellites to dampen its means to mirror gentle from the Solar.
Writing by Maggie Tillman. Initially revealed on 2 November 2021.
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