Experimental Authorization for Kuiper Requested by Amazon

Amazon has filed a request for experimental authorization of its Kuiper satellite internet program with the FCC, indicating that it hopes to launch the first two experimental satellites late next year.

The 47-page experimental authorization request was filed on Monday, November 1. In the document, Amazon asks the the agency to authorize the launch its KuiperSat-1 and KuiperSat-2 to an altitude of 367 miles, and to operate customer terminal units and telemetry, tracking, and control (“TT&C”) and gateway Earth stations, which will communicate with the satellites (collectively, the “Experimental Kuiper System”). Finally, Amazon requests authority to provide launch and early orbit phase (“LEOP”) services for the KuiperSats. Amazon seeks authorization for an initial two-year license term, the standard for conventional experimental radio licenses.

Amazon says the testing is an important step toward its goal of delivering high-capacity, low-latency broadband communications services to tens of millions of unserved and underserved consumers and businesses through the deployment of Amazon’s constellation licensed under Part 25 of the Commission’s rules (the “Kuiper System”). Licensed by the Commission on July 30, 2020, the Kuiper System will comprise 3,236 satellites at altitudes of 37 miles, 379 miles, and 391 miles. The constellation will use frequencies in the Ka-band to provide Fixed-Satellite Services (“FSS”) and Mobile-Satellite Services (“MSS”) to customers globally.

Amazon has committed to invest at least $10 billion to support the Kuiper System, and it continues to progress toward its goal of providing affordable, reliable broadband to customers and communities around the world. Last December, the company revealed designs for a small, affordable customer terminal antenna. In April, Amazon announced an agreement with United Launch Alliance to secure nine Atlas V launch vehicles to support its deployment schedule.

According to the experimental authorization request document, the KuiperSats will be equipped with on-board propulsion and attitude control. They will also have a Fault Detection, Isolation, and Recovery (“FDIR”) system capable of detecting certain system anomalies and, in many cases, correcting and even disabling a malfunctioning subsystem in the unlikely event an anomaly should occur.

Amazon has also designed the KuiperSats to burn up upon atmospheric reentry. Amazon will perform a propulsive de-orbit at the end of the mission, resulting in expected demise within one year. If propulsive deorbit is unsuccessful, under the most likely operational failure scenario, the KuiperSats will nevertheless de-orbit passively in approximately 3.5 years. Amazon’s ground systems will also be ready to support the mission, backed by trusted gateway and TT&C Earth stations.

The FCC will review the application, and no timeline has been established for a decision on the proposal.

(Source: Amazon experimental authorization application. Image from file)