Amazon has officially named its satellite project “Amazon Leo,” derived from the term Low-Earth Orbit (LEO). This term designates orbits at altitudes of 1,200 miles (2,000 kilometers) or less, where Amazon’s planned constellation of 153 satellites will operate. The project’s original code name, “Project Kuiper,” referred to the Kuiper Belt, an asteroid belt in the outer solar system beyond Neptune.
Amazon intends to conduct over 80 missions as part of this initiative, which will involve approximately 3,000 spacecraft. To date, Leo has completed six launches, including three using SpaceX Falcon 9 rockets, successfully deploying a total of 72 satellites. Amazon’s primary competitor in satellite internet services is SpaceX’s Starlink, which recently achieved a significant milestone by launching its 10,000th satellite.
With Leo, Amazon aims to provide “fast, reliable internet to those beyond the reach of existing networks,” paralleling efforts made by Starlink. While both companies strive to improve internet access in underserved regions, the extensive deployment of satellites poses potential challenges. These could include increased space debris, a higher likelihood of satellite collisions, and greater risks for human spaceflight missions.
As Amazon moves forward with its plans, questions arise regarding the sustainability and safety of launching a large number of satellites into orbit. The implications of this initiative for both the telecommunications industry and space safety are still unfolding.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/news/820580/project-kuiper-amazon-leo-rebrand