Amazon launches its first internet satellites to compete against SpaceX's Starlinks

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Amazon’s archetypal batch of internet satellites rocketed toward orbit Monday, the latest introduction successful the mega constellation marketplace presently dominated by SpaceX's thousands of Starlinks.

The United Launch Alliance's Atlas V rocket carried up 27 of Amazon's Project Kuiper satellites, named aft the frigid fringes of our star strategy beyond Neptune. Once released successful orbit, the satellites volition yet scope an altitude of astir 400 miles (630 kilometers).

Two trial satellites were launched successful 2023, besides by an Atlas V. Project officials said large upgrades were made to the newest version. The latest satellites besides are coated with a reflector movie designed to scatter reflected sunlight successful an effort to accommodate astronomers.

Stargazers reason the fast-growing constellations of low-orbiting satellites, arguing they spoil observations. Others fearfulness much outer collisions.

Founded by Jeff Bezos, who present runs his ain rocket company, Blue Origin, Amazon aims to enactment much than 3,200 of these satellites into orbit to supply fast, affordable broadband work astir the globe.

Elon Musk's SpaceX already has launched much than 8,000 Starlinks since 2019. The institution marked its 250th Starlink motorboat Sunday night. More than 7,000 Starlinks are inactive successful orbit immoderate 300-plus miles (550 kilometers) supra Earth.

The European-based OneWeb outer constellation numbers successful the hundreds successful an adjacent higher orbit.

Amazon already has purchased dozens of rocket launches from United Launch Alliance and Blue Origin for Project Kuiper, arsenic good arsenic others.

“There are immoderate things you tin lone larn successful flight" contempt extended investigating connected the ground, said Rajeev Badyal, the project's vice president.

“No substance however the ngo unfolds, this is conscionable the commencement of our journey," helium said successful a connection up of the evening liftoff.

The archetypal liftoff effort earlier this period was nixed by atrocious weather. It took until present to unafraid different spot successful the motorboat lineup astatine Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

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