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Is Kuiper completely dependent on Blue Origin? I assumed they would start by buying a few launches from other providers, though I didn't expect them to try Spac
by modeless 6y ago
Is Kuiper completely dependent on Blue Origin? I assumed they would start by buying a few launches from other providers, though I didn't expect them to try SpaceX. I guess SpaceX would sell to them although it would be a little weird.
- tidepod12 6y agoPer this tweet, they're planning on using multiple launch providers: https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/1339306611488288768?s=21 https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/1339306611488288768?s=... > Interesting comment at TC Sessions: Space by Amazon’s David Limp about launching its Project Kuiper constellation: we hope that Blue Origin can provide launch capacity, but hope others will, too. Expecting to use multiple launch providers.
- themgt 6y agoFCC approval only gives Amazon until July 30, 2026 to launch at least 50% of their 3,200 sat constellation into orbit. I don't know of any existing provider other than SpaceX that could plausibly put that much payload into orbit in 5 years. It's not like ULA has a ton of spare launch capacity sitting around.
- modeless 6y agoBlue Origin may move slowly but it would still be surprising if New Glenn couldn't easily handle that by 2026. It should only take 14 launches for 1600 satellites assuming 120 per launch (double Starlink/Falcon 9), and New Glenn is supposed to be reusable and operational next year.
- rlt 6y agoI can’t find the article/tweet but I believe SpaceX said they’d launch competitors’ satellites. Of course they won’t get the same at-cost deal SpaceX gives themselves.