Amazon’s Project Kuiper has received crucial approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to deploy its 3,236 broadband satellites, which are designed to provide high-speed internet connectivity to customers worldwide. The latest approval, which follows the initial one granted by the FCC in 2020, will allow Amazon to officially commence its satellite internet operations.
In a recent order, the FCC noted that Amazon’s updated orbital debris mitigation plan satisfied the condition set out when it was granted the original request. The commission will now require Amazon to submit semi-annual reports detailing the number of satellites launched and their disposal reliability, as well as ensuring that the decommissioned satellites will be deorbited after the completion of their seven-year mission. This move is aimed at avoiding collisions with the International Space Station and other inhabitable stations.
The first two Project Kuiper satellites will be launched on the inaugural flight of United Launch Alliance’s new Vulcan Centaur rocket. Vulcan Centaur is currently undergoing testing, with the first flight expected to take place in the near future.
With this key FCC approval, Amazon takes a giant step towards realizing its vision for Project Kuiper and bringing high-speed broadband connectivity to customers around the world.
