Amazon is currently constructing a cutting-edge Florida satellite processing facility spanning 100,000 square feet for its ambitious Project Kuiper. This remarkable project aims to utilize a network of 3,236 low Earth orbit satellites to provide high-speed and affordable broadband services to underserved communities across the globe. The image is courtesy of Amazon.
July 21 (UPI) — Amazon announced on Friday that it has commenced the construction of a satellite-processing facility in Florida.
Situated at Space Florida’s Launch and Landing Facility within Kennedy Space Center, this facility will serve as a crucial support center for Amazon’s Project Kuiper. The primary objective of Project Kuiper is to offer fast and affordable broadband connectivity to regions that have been left without adequate coverage.
“We have an ambitious plan to initiate full-scale production launches for Project Kuiper and conduct early customer pilots next year, and this state-of-the-art facility will play a critical role in ensuring timely delivery,” stated Steve Metayer, the Vice President of Kuiper Production Operations.
Amazon has revealed that satellite production for the project will commence in Kirkland, Washington by the end of this year. The Florida site, which covers 100,000 square feet, will be responsible for receiving these satellite shipments and carrying out final preparations prior to launches. The facility will also handle the integration of satellites with custom dispensers and their subsequent integration with launch vehicles.
In addition, the receiving facility will include a 100-foot tall clean room to facilitate the payload fairing of new heavy-lift rockets.
Last year, Amazon established partnerships with Blue Origin, led by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, and United Launch Alliance to handle the launch of Project Kuiper satellites.
The facility announced on Friday will accommodate launches for both companies.
With an investment of $120 million in new construction and equipment, Amazon expects the facility to generate 50 new job opportunities.
“We are delighted to collaborate with Space Florida to bolster Florida’s thriving space industry and contribute to the growth of the space sector across the United States. We eagerly anticipate expanding our skilled operations and manufacturing team with more talented individuals,” expressed Metayer. “These employees will play an integral role in our mission to connect tens of millions of customers worldwide.”
Two prototype satellites will be launched in the forthcoming months to test the network and subsystems. Production launches are scheduled to commence in 2024.
In 2022, the prototype satellites are set to be launched using United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan Centaur rockets.
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