Amazon is getting closer to launching Project Kuiper’s broadband satellites. The company has just received critical approval from the Federal Communications Commission in order to launch 3,236 satellites into orbit and begin Kuiper’s satellite internet operations. According to SpaceNews, Amazon received preliminary approval from the agency in 2020. The FCC approved the launch of thousands of Low Earth Orbit satellites on the condition that it later obtain regulatory approval for an updated orbital debris mitigation plan.
The commission stated in the order (PDF) that the updated plan meets the condition it imposed on the company when it granted its request in 2020. This additional approval “will enable Kuiper to begin deploying its constellation in order to achieve its goals.”
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As part of its updated orbital debris mitigation plan, the FCC will require Amazon to submit a a semi-annual report “concerning the number of satellites launched and disposal reliability.” If Amazon experiences disposal failure with satellites within a single year, it has to report that fact to the FCC, as well. In addition, the commission is requiring Project Kuiper to ensure that it will be able to deorbit its satellites after their seven-year mission is done. Making sure the decommissioned satellites are out of orbit is necessary to prevent them from colliding with the International Space Station and other inhabitable stations.
Late last year, Amazon revealed that the first two Project Kuiper satellites will head to orbit aboard the maiden flight of United Launch Alliance’s new Vulcan Centaur rocket. Vulcan Centaur is still currently under testing, but if all goes to plan, it’ll fly for the first time in the next few months.
