Launch of Project Kuiper - Protoflight

about 1 year ago (Edited)

Jeff Bezos is finally launching his own satellite internet network to rival Elon’s Starlink.

Project Kuiper has been founded in 2019 as a subsidiary of Amazon. The full constellation will consist of 3236 satellites in Low Earth Orbit.

As per the FCC license, Amazon needs to deploy at least 50% of all planned satellites until the end of July 2026. This is an ambitious timeline, considering this first launch will only deliver two test sats. The contracted launch providers so far are ULA (Atlas V and Vulcan), Blue Origin (New Glenn) and ESA (Ariane 6).
Vulcan, Ariane 6 and New Glenn have never flown and ULA has already contracted all remaining Altas V flights. Vulcan might launch in the fourth quarter of 2023 for the first time. Ariane 6 might launch at the beginning of 2024 for the first time. There is currently no timeline for the first New Glenn launch.

So far, Amazon has been very tight-lipped with regards to the satellites and the launch. There will be a live-stream on October 6, 18:00 UTC by United Launch Alliance

Or with more commentary:

Ellie in Space: Let's Watch the ULA Launch Together!
Angry Astronaut: Watch LIVE with The Angry Astronaut as KUIPER Finally Launches!!!!
NASASpaceflight: LAUNCH: Amazon Project Kuiper Protoflight aboard ULA Atlas V 501

Kuiper Systems LLC: aboutamazon.com/news/tag/project-kuiper

The FCC has issued a first fine for littering in space:

Following up on @thesheetztweetz' story, here is the data on Echostar 7's orbit raising based on US Space Force tracking https://t.co/9xLAaW5S0q pic.twitter.com/yJKCxaQ9vD
— Jonathan McDowell (@planet4589) October 2, 2023

While the fine appears to be extraordinary low, it will have ripple effects:

it is only the first and other operators will have to take this into consideration
Dish has now admitted fault and may be liable if their defunct satellites causes damages in the future
satellite insurance will reflect the new reality

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