Amazon continues to work on a satellite internet project that will compete directly with SpaceX’s Starlink service. The e-commerce giant has announced that it has signed the largest rocket deal in the history of the commercial space industry for its Project Kuiper service.
Elon Musk asked on Twitter: Do you want an edit key?
Amazon has agreed with Arianespace, Blue Origin and United Launch Alliance (ULA) to launch a total of 83 rockets in five years. The multibillion-dollar reservation will allow the company to place the majority of the 3,236 satellites planned for Project Kuiper into low-Earth orbit.
Goal To deliver internet via satellite in 2024
The battle for broadband internet from space thus enters a new phase. Amazon’s goal is to start providing internet service via satellite by early 2024. However, it will take 2028 for the Project Kuiper project to become fully functional.
Starlink has the advantage of being a few years ahead of Project Kuiper. SpaceX has launched 2,110 satellites into low earth orbit (Leo) since 2018. The company currently offers satellite internet services to 250 thousand people in 29 countries around the world. Not a single satellite has been launched for Project Kuiper yet.
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