The FCC has unanimously approved Amazon 's Project Kuiper , giving the company the green light to develop and operate a constellation of 3,236 satellites .
Amazon applied to the FCC for permission to launch thousands of Low Earth Orbit satellites in July 2019, just months after announcing the project. Like SpaceX 's Starlink constellation , Kuiper's purpose is to provide satellite broadband services, with Amazon hoping to help expand internet access to homes and businesses in remote areas across the United States and around the world .
The company plans to invest more than $10 billion in the project, which will be developed in five phases. According to the FCC, Amazon must complete the deployment of half of Kuiper's satellites by 2026 , and the entire constellation must be operational by July 30, 2029.
Rajeev Badyal, Vice President of Technology at Project Kuiper, said in a statement:
«We are making incredible inventions to deliver fast, reliable broadband at a price that makes sense for customers. LEO-based broadband systems like Project Kuiper present enormous challenges, and we have assembled a world-class team of engineers and scientists committed to realizing our vision for Project Kuiper and maintaining a safe, sustainable environment for all. Combined with Amazon’s deep expertise in networking and infrastructure, and its ability to finance such a massive undertaking, I am optimistic about the impact Project Kuiper can have on these underserved or underserved communities..»
In its approval document, the FCC also addressed the company’s plans to prevent the formation from contributing to the growing problem of space debris in low-Earth orbit. Amazon says it will remove the Kuiper satellites within 355 days of completing their mission, rather than the 25 years required by NASA. It also promises to follow NASA’s guidelines for the remaining debris.
