Amazon launches Kuiper test satellites to rival Elon Musk’s Starlink

Amazon has successfully launched two prototype satellites for Kuiper Systems — its upcoming internet network that plans to rival Starlink the low-orbit satellite network run by Elon Musk’s SpaceX.

The twin test satellites embarked on their journey atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket over the weekend.

Kuiper Systems, also known as Project Kuiper, was first established in 2019, with Amazon making a US$10 billion investment into it. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) granted it permission to deploy 3,236 low-orbit satellites across five stages by 2029 — with the first 50% requiring deployment by 2026.

Its internet services will commence once the first 578 satellites are launched. In 2022 Amazon confirmed it had secured deals for 83 launches across several rocket companies. These include Jeff Bezos’ own Blue Origin as well as ULA and Arianespace.

Comparatively, Starlink currently has almost 5,000 satellites in orbit.

Amazon has been tight-lipped about the specifics of its satellites, and the livestream of the launch ceased shortly after liftoff. It did not show the actual deployment of the satellites. The e-commerce titan later confirmed the successful deployment and said it had made contact.

Interest in low-orbit satellite broadband has jumped over the last few years, and it is forecast to be worth tens of billions over the next ten years.

It is particularly pertinent here in Australia, where it’s difficult to roll out a high-speed fiber network across the entire continent.

Rural Australians in particular have had to rely on alternatives such as satellite internet from the likes of NBN Skymuster, and in recent years, Starlink. And over the last few months, Telstra and Optus have announced separate partnerships with Starlink — targeting both internet and mobile customers, respectively.

While there are mixed opinions between industry groups, businesses and individuals regarding the current state of rural internet in Australia — having more options over the coming years is generally a good thing for competition and prices.

That being said, we don’t currently know when or even if Amazon plans to service Australia with Kuiper. However, we do know that it is planning both consumer and enterprise plans. There are rumours that consumer hardware will cost around US$400, but that is yet to be confirmed.

At the present time, Starlink costs $599 for the initial hardware cost and $139 per month for connectivity.

These prices have been dropped in the past, with Starlink getting into hot water with ACMA last month for breaching advertising rules when it didn’t include an end date for one of these promotions.

Amazon has also seen some legal issues with its satellites. Amazon and its founder, Jeff Bezos, are contending with a shareholder lawsuit regarding due diligence and not considering more economical launch options from, ironically, SpaceX.