Amazon, one of the world's largest e-commerce platforms, has set its sights on the sky this time and launched an initiative called "Project Kuiper", which has taken a revolutionary step forward in space data transmission. Fast data transmission can be provided to even the most remote areas of the world by creating high-speed laser cross-connections using optical satellite links (OISLs) developed within the scope of this project. is targeted.
Project Kuiper was launched in 2019 but has gained momentum over the past few months. According to Amazon's statement, with the successful completion of the tests, satellite production has begun, with "full distribution" scheduled to begin in the first half of 2024. In addition, early customer pilots are expected to begin in the second half of this year. In a major development, Amazon announced an agreement with SpaceX to launch more Project Kuiper satellites at a faster rate.
OISL technology requires a laser link capable of communicating at distances of up to 2,600 kilometers and coping with spacecraft moving at speeds of up to 25,000 kilometers per hour. In doing so, Amazon must minimize the propagation of light and account for the additional dynamics of all these moving parts to preserve the signal. According to the company's statement, this goal has been successfully achieved.
Amazon, on the other hand, claims that its fiber mesh network has data transfer speeds that are about 30% faster than native fiber optic cables. Therefore, it is important to emphasize the creation of a reliable and high-speed communication network by providing multiple ways to route data in space.
Nowadays, space lasers, which were once only seen in science fiction, have led to various technological advancements, such as NASA's use of space lasers to study plankton and its program to destroy space debris. According to Amazon's announcement, space lasers have become a real tool to advance technology and bring improvements to the planet.
Amazon launched two prototype satellites last October, and a month later reported that it had successfully tested sending and receiving data between satellites at speeds of up to 100 gigabits per second. These tests demonstrate the ability to establish a single two-way link between two satellites and the key functions required to maintain cross-links between multiple satellites. While it remains to be seen exactly what kind of doors this technology will open in the future, for now, all eyes are on the "general distribution" phase that will occur in 2024.