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.