In October 2023, Amazon took a significant step towards realizing its ambitious Kuiper satellite internet constellation with the launch of its first two prototype satellites, KuiperSat-1 and KuiperSat-2. This mission, dubbed "Protoflight," has now reached its conclusion as the tech giant prepares to deorbit the two test satellites after successfully conducting critical tests on satellite control, communication systems, and reentry procedures.

The Kuiper constellation, much like SpaceX's Starlink, aims to provide global internet coverage from low Earth orbit. Amazon's current plans call for a staggering 3,200 satellites orbiting at an altitude of around 500 kilometers (310 miles). It was at this very height that the United Launch Alliance's Atlas V rocket carried the first two KuiperSat prototypes into space, allowing Amazon to evaluate their performance and technical capabilities, details of which remain undisclosed.

With the completion of all designated tasks, Amazon has initiated the process of deorbiting the two satellites, a crucial test that KuiperSat must pass to avoid leaving orbital debris. In the coming months, the satellites' electric propulsion systems, based on the Hall effect, will gradually lower their orbit to an altitude of 350 kilometers (217 miles). At this point, the satellites will begin a passive atmospheric reentry due to the friction caused by the Earth's tenuous atmosphere against their orbital velocity of approximately 28,000 kilometers per hour (17,400 miles per hour).

During this deorbiting phase, Amazon has committed to sharing satellite position data with other organizations to mitigate the risk of potential collisions. The company plans to deorbit all satellites in the Kuiper constellation within a year after the end of their service life, demonstrating its commitment to responsible space operations.

As preparations for future launches continue, Amazon is expanding satellite production at its facilities in Kirkland and Redmond, Washington State. To maintain a high launch cadence and avoid delays associated with new launch vehicles, the company will utilize a diverse array of launch providers, including Arianespace's Ariane 6, United Launch Alliance's Vulcan and Atlas V, Blue Origin's New Glenn, and SpaceX's Falcon 9.

By the end of the year, based on the results of the KuiperSat test, Amazon is expected to begin launching the first operational satellites of the Kuiper constellation into orbit. In March 2023, the company also announced the development of several antenna models, including a portable variant, to facilitate connectivity with the satellites. A crucial objective for the project's successful commercialization is to produce these antennas for less than $500, a feat that took SpaceX several years to achieve with its Starlink user terminals, which initially cost around $3,000 each.

The Kuiper constellation represents a significant investment by Amazon in the rapidly growing satellite internet market, which promises to bring high-speed internet connectivity to even the most remote corners of the globe. As the company continues to make strides with its KuiperSat prototypes, the path towards a fully operational Kuiper constellation becomes increasingly clear, setting the stage for a potential revolution in global internet access and connectivity.