Current Context: Amazon launched the first 27 satellites under its Project Kuiper initiative to establish a global broadband satellite network and compete with Starlink.

About Project Kuiper:

• Launched By:
• Objective: Provide global broadband internet to unserved and underserved regions via satellite.
• Orbit: Operates in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) – up to 2,000 km above Earth.
• Key Components: Satellite constellation, ground stations, customer terminals.
• Deadline: 50% satellite deployment by July 2026 as per U.S. FCC rules.
• Named After: Kuiper Belt – a region of the solar system beyond Neptune.
• Competitor: SpaceX’s Starlink.
• India Entry: Amazon applied for GMPCS license to offer services in India.