The firm has filed an application with the FCC to join SpaceX, One Web, and others in launching a constellation of satellites to provide broadband internet.
The plan: Amazon has asked for permission to launch 3,236 satellites into orbit as part of Project Kuiper. It says it wants to connect the tens of millions around the globe who don’t have broadband internet access. “Amazon’s mission is to be Earth’s most customer-centric company, and the Kuiper System is one of our ambitious projects to fulfill this mission,” the filing states.
Up and running: The satellites will fly at 98 orbital planes, at altitudes between 366 and 391 miles (589 to 629 kilometers). They will de-orbit after 10 years to mitigate the risk of space debris, Geekwire reports. Amazon says it can start offering broadband satellite services once the first 578 satellites are in position.
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