Amazon’s first batch of web satellites rocketed into orbit Monday, the most recent entry within the mega constellation market at the moment dominated by SpaceX’s 1000’s of Starlinks.
The United Launch Alliance’s Atlas V rocket carried up 27 of Amazon’s Challenge Kuiper satellites, named after the frigid fringes of our photo voltaic system past Neptune. As soon as launched in orbit, the satellites will ultimately attain an altitude of almost 400 miles (630 kilometers).
Two take a look at satellites have been launched in 2023, additionally by an Atlas V. Challenge officers stated main upgrades have been made to the latest model. The newest satellites are also coated with a mirror movie designed to scatter mirrored daylight in an try to accommodate astronomers.