Amazon Applies for US License to Launch Over 3,200 Satellites
Amazon has applied for a license from the U.S. government to launch over 3,200 satellites and use them to provide broadband Internet globally, tech news website CNet reported on Monday, July 8.
The corporation has submitted its application to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The plan, called "Project Kuiper," is to launch and operate a non-geostationary satellite orbit system.
According to the submitted documents, Amazon aims to launch 3,236 low Earth orbit satellites in order to provide Internet access across the globe. They will reportedly be orbiting 366 to 391 miles above Earth's surface.
FCC Chairman Ajit Pai believes that the U.S. government should make it easier for companies competing in the broadband marketplace to license small satellites.
Amazon's latest move comes shortly after the company revealed its lunar lander Blue Moon. According to the CEO and founder Jeff Bezos, the spacecraft can meet the U.S. administration’s goal to send astronauts to the Moon by 2024.
If Amazon succeeds in launching its broadband satellites, it will be competing with SpaceX and its Starlink project. The first 60 of the planned 12,000 satellites were already launched in May.
Moreover, Richard Branson’s OneWeb successfully launched its first six broadband satellites aboard a Soyuz rocket in February.
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