Amazon on Thursday disclosed that both of its test satellites for the Kuiper internet network were operating properly in orbit.
The project is expected to begin launching functioning satellites by the middle of 2024, the company stated.
The world’s largest satellite operator, Starlink, owned by billionaire Elon Musk, will face competition from the Kuiper internet network as it attempts to provide broadband internet connectivity to governments, businesses, and consumers worldwide.
Within the first 30 days of the prototype satellites’ flight from Florida on an Atlas 5 rocket operated by United flight Alliance, Amazon claimed a 100% success rate.
Amazon claimed to have ordered products via Amazon’s website, streamed a high-definition movie on Prime Video, and made quick two-way video chats using the prototype satellites.
With the successful launch of the prototype, early partners like Vodafone and Verizon are on track to become the first telecom firms to beta test the service.
Amazon last year announced its bulk launch deal for 83 launches from a variety of rocket companies, including Europe’s Arianespace, Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin, and ULA.
