Amazon’s Project Kuiper Achieves Successful Testing of Satellite Space Lasers.

The technology has the potential to offer high-speed broadband to ships navigating the open sea and individuals camping in remote wilderness areas in the future.

SpaceX and its billionaire CEO Elon Musk may now face competition in the satellite internet race, as Amazon announced a breakthrough in space laser technology. On Thursday, Amazon disclosed the successful utilization of “optical inter-satellite link” (OISL), achieving a 100-gigabit-per-second connection between two Project Kuiper satellites positioned 621 miles apart in low Earth orbit—roughly the distance from New York to Cincinnati. Amazon envisions deploying this technology to deliver fast and reliable broadband internet to remote Earth regions.

Traditionally, low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites transmit data between customer location antennas and ground gateways connected to the internet. OISL technology eliminates the immediate need for data downlink to the ground, enhancing internet speed and reducing latency, particularly for end-users in isolated areas. The capability to establish direct communication between satellites implies that OISLs could bring robust internet connections to remote locations like ocean cruisers or offshore oil rigs, far from land.

Rajeev Badyal, Project Kuiper’s Vice President of Technology, stated, “With optical inter-satellite links across our satellite constellation, Project Kuiper will effectively operate as a mesh network in space.”

“Mesh networks” typically denote a collection of interconnected devices collaborating to establish a unified network. According to an Amazon press release, the company intends to equip its satellites with multiple optical terminals, allowing several satellites to simultaneously establish connections. The goal is to create “high-speed laser cross links,” forming the foundation for a swift mesh network in space. Amazon anticipates that this space-based mesh network could facilitate data transfer around 30% faster than terrestrial fiber optic cables covering a similar distance. However, the practical implications for everyday users remain uncertain, as Project Kuiper’s services are not currently available to consumers.

Amazon initiated its satellite deployment with the launch of KuiperSat-1 and KuiperSat-2 in October, conducting OISL tests in November. During the tests, the two satellites demonstrated the ability to send and receive data at speeds of approximately 100 gigabits per second over a one-hour test window while maintaining the link at speeds of up to 15,534 miles per hour.

Ricky Freeman, Vice President of Kuiper Government Solutions, highlighted the network’s capability to offer “multiple paths to route through space,” which could be especially attractive to customers seeking to evade interception or jamming of communications. When queried about the potential customer, with speculation on military or defense contractors, an Amazon spokesperson clarified that Project Kuiper is primarily focused on providing internet coverage to residential customers in remote and underserved communities. The spokesperson added that they might consider engaging with government partners in the future, emphasizing a commitment to collaborating with both public and private sector entities dedicated to addressing the digital divide. The flexible, multi-purpose communications network aims to serve diverse customers, including space and government agencies, mobile operators, and entities involved in emergency and disaster relief operations.

Project Kuiper slowly moving out of the shadows

Initiated in 2019, Project Kuiper aims to establish a constellation of 3,236 satellites in low-Earth orbit, envisioning the provision of fast and affordable broadband internet to previously underserved global regions. Despite its ambitious goals, the project experienced delays, with the first satellites launched into orbit by Amazon in October after over four years. As of this month, the company had reportedly scheduled just 94 rocket launches, according to CNBC.

In contrast, Project Kuiper’s primary competitor, SpaceX, has gained significant momentum, launching over 5,000 Starlink satellites and offering its satellite internet service to paying customers. In a surprising development, Amazon recently reached an agreement with SpaceX, utilizing its rockets to expedite the deployment of additional Kuiper satellites into orbit.

The successful laser tests underscore that Amazon’s Project Kuiper is more than a mere aspirational multi-billion dollar venture. However, the critical question remains whether it can accelerate satellite deployments swiftly enough to narrow the gap with SpaceX.

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