Amazon’s Project Kuiper books 83 rockets to launch internet-beaming satellites

> The satellites will fly on powerful rockets currently being developed by European launch provider Arianespace, US-based United Launch Alliance, and Blue Origin

Arianespace: probably the Ariane 6, which might get a test flight this year if all goes perfectly.

ULA: 9 launches planned on the Atlas V, but afaik the rest will have to be on Vulcan. But Vulcan is still waiting on Blue Origin to provide it's new BE-4 engines, which are years late.

Blue Origin: New Glenn uses same engines as Vulcan, the BE-4, stuck by the same delays. Plus, if BO uses the BE-4 on New Glenn before delivering to ULA, ULA will get very upset.

My guess is that the Atlas V launches will launch a few test satellites for Kuiper to prototype with, and nothing else will launch until mid-23. Meanwhile SpaceX is launching almost weekly right now, and offering a real product today.

Re: Amazon’s Project Kuiper books 83 rockets to launch internet-beaming satellites

#6

Post by terafo » Tue, Apr 05, 2022, 12:20 PM UTC

mabbo wrote: post #5

Edit: terafo pointed out I've got BO rocket's names wrong! Fixed! And most of these launches on rockets that have never flown. > The satellites will fly on powerful rockets currently being developed by European launch provider Arianespace, US-based United Launch Alliance, and Blue Origin Arianespace: probably the Ariane 6, which might get a test flight this year if all goes perfectly. ULA: 9 launches planned on the A…

You confused New Shepard and New Glenn. New Shepard uses BE-3 and performs sub-orbital flights for rich tourists. New Glenn is heavy reusable orbital rocket that uses BE-4.

Re: Amazon’s Project Kuiper books 83 rockets to launch internet-beaming satellites

#7

Post by frayesto » Tue, Apr 05, 2022, 12:24 PM UTC

donkarma wrote: post #4

elliotpage wrote: post #3

They should rename it to Amazon Project Kessler because thats what they are going to cause.

do you realise how small one satellite is?

well, the kessler syndrome [1] is a real phenomenon and has real consequences. More satellites == more debris == high probability of collisions which can create a positive feedback loop.

It requires real management and processes ahead of time, not after the fact.

[1]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kessler_syndrome

Re: Amazon’s Project Kuiper books 83 rockets to launch internet-beaming satellites

#8

Post by terafo » Tue, Apr 05, 2022, 12:28 PM UTC

elliotpage wrote: post #3

They should rename it to Amazon Project Kessler because thats what they are going to cause.

It won't. Any sat can't be on LEO long without constant orbit corrections. And bunch of scrap that is created by few sats colliding will just burn in atmosphere in just few months(maybe years).

Re: Amazon’s Project Kuiper books 83 rockets to launch internet-beaming satellites

#9

Post by hotpotamus » Tue, Apr 05, 2022, 12:28 PM UTC

I'm of many minds about this whole thing. Increased competition for Internet access is nice - gone are the days where I had one choice for Internet access. I have the option for 2 cable providers, ATT Fiber or DSL, and T-Mobile Home Internet (I've used it at a relative's and it's quite good). Presumably I could sign up for Starlink too. But the thought of Amazon controlling Internet access is not ideal. Also I worry about the effect on astronomy which is I think one of humanity's more interesting pursuits.

Re: Amazon’s Project Kuiper books 83 rockets to launch internet-beaming satellites

#10

Post by mabbo » Tue, Apr 05, 2022, 12:49 PM UTC

terafo wrote: post #6

mabbo wrote: post #5

Edit: terafo pointed out I've got BO rocket's names wrong! Fixed! And most of these launches on rockets that have never flown. > The satellites will fly on powerful rockets currently being developed by European launch provider Arianespace, US-based United Launch Alliance, and Blue Origin Arianespace: probably the Ariane 6, which might get a test flight this year if all goes perfectly. ULA: 9 launches planned on the A…

You confused New Shepard and New Glenn. New Shepard uses BE-3 and performs sub-orbital flights for rich tourists. New Glenn is heavy reusable orbital rocket that uses BE-4.

Thanks, my mistake. Sheppard was the first American in space, Glenn the first to orbit, so it should be easy to remember.