Amazon is set to challenge Elon Musk’s Starlink by launching its first batch of 27 Project Kuiper satellites next week. The company has secured 80 launch missions, each designed to deploy multiple satellites into low Earth orbit (LEO) to create a competing satellite internet network. According to Amazon, it plans to begin offering high-speed, low-latency internet services by the end of this year.

The KA-01 mission, short for Kuiper Atlas 1, will lift off on April 9 aboard an Atlas V rocket from United Launch Alliance. Once successfully deployed, Amazon intends to introduce Starlink-like devices to consumers for internet connectivity. In 2023, the company announced that its smallest dish, measuring seven inches and weighing just one pound, would support speeds of up to 100 megabits per second (Mbps), positioning it as a direct competitor to Starlink Mini. Additionally, a larger dish for homes and businesses will offer speeds of up to 1 gigabit per second (Gbps).

Low Earth Orbit (LEO) refers to the region of space where satellites orbit relatively close to Earth, typically at altitudes below 2,000 kilometers (1,200 miles). Unlike terrestrial networks that depend on ground-based infrastructure such as fiber optics and cellular towers, which are concentrated in populated areas, LEO satellites provide coverage from space, ensuring connectivity in remote and underserved regions.

Compared to traditional satellite networks operating in geostationary orbit, LEO satellites are positioned much closer to Earth, significantly reducing signal delays. While geostationary satellites cover a larger area with fewer units, they suffer from higher latency, making real-time communication less efficient. In contrast, LEO systems require a network of satellites to ensure continuous global coverage but provide faster and more responsive connectivity.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Business Standard.