In 2019, Starlink began launching satellites into space to provide people with more accessible broadband.
The data pipe is owned by Elon Musk and operated by SpaceX, another of the billionaire’s companies.
But Musk isn’t the only one delving into this field.
Image Credit:Amazon
Amazon is also developing a satellite broadband service, currently known as Project Kuiper.
So, what’s Project Kuiper all about, and is it better than Starlink?
What Is Project Kuiper?
Image Credit:Amazon
Kuiper Systems LLC, a subsidiary of Amazon, launched project Kuiper.
Project Kuiper will launch 3,236 satellites into low Earth orbit (LEO) to form a full worldwide constellation.
Kuiper Systems LLC and Amazon also aim to provide fast broadband with low latency.
It has been confirmed that Project Kuiper will launch for Indian residents and those living in the United States.
Kuiper will be available for households, hospitals, schools, and businesses alike.
Amazon currently uses a large research base in Washington for research and development.
This stood as the green light for Amazon to go ahead and kick the project into action.
When Will Project Kuiper Satellites Launch?
So, when will Project Kuiper be operational, and what needs to be done first?
The construction of these prototypes should be completed in late 2022.
ULA alone is set to facilitate 47 Project Kuiper launches, as stated in anotherAmazon blog post.
So there’s no doubt that the venture is a massive undertaking for the Project Kuiper team.
But there’s no knowing what issues may cause delays in such a huge project.
There’s one more question: is Project Kuiper better than Starlink?
Project Kuiper vs. Starlink
There’s no doubt that Project Kuiper will compete withElon Musk’s Starlink.
Firstly, Starlink is launching far more satellites than Amazon.
More satellites hint at greater coverage in more locations, suggesting that Starlink will be more accessible.
But the jury will be out on this one for some time.
Amazon, on the other hand, has stated that Project Kuiper will offer a maximum speed of 400Mbps.
