Amazon launched its first two prototype satellites into space on Friday in a challenge to Elon Musk’s Starlink internet service.
The e-commerce and web services giant’s Project Kuiper aims to provide fast and affordable broadband internet around the world by building a network of 3,236 satellites in low orbit. The satellites will be linked to a global network of antennas, fiber and internet connection points on the ground.
Project Kuiper will compete with billionaire Elon Musk’s Starlink service, which is a satellite constellation operated by SpaceX that provides internet coverage in more than 60 countries with 4,500 mass-produced small satellites. It has 2 million active customers.
