The space rivalry between Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk heats up as Amazon presents their ‘Project Kuiper’ proposal

Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos’ spa

Amazon gained permission from the Federal Communications Commission to proceed with its satellite launch plan in 2020. According to the corporation, the service will benefit a wide range of consumers, including people, schools, hospitals, and government entities.

Bezos and Musk have each made significant contributions from their own deep resources to fund their own space enterprises.

Both SpaceX and Blue Origin have sent private passengers into low orbit, with the latter completing its fourth crewed mission only last month. Last July, Bezos took part in Blue Origin’s first passenger voyage, notoriously donning a cowboy hat after landing.

ce race is heating up, with Amazon announcing plans to launch broadband satellites that would directly compete with SpaceX’s “Starlink” service.

Amazon announced it will collaborate with three firms to develop up to 83 products over a five-year period as part of “Project Kuiper.” The service is intended to provide rapid, low-cost internet connection to impoverished regions throughout the world, similar to the objective SpaceX has set for Starlink.

United Launch Alliance, a joint venture of Lockheed Martin and Boeing, will perform 38 of the 83 total launches; European business Arianespace will do 18; and Bezos’ private space firm Blue Origin will undertake at least 12, with an option for up to 15 more as needed.

“These launch agreements represent our amazing dedication and belief in Project Kuiper, and we’re delighted to be working with such an impressive lineup of partners to execute on our vision,” said Dave Limp, senior vice president of devices and services at Amazon.

Amazon stated that the collaborations will allow “Project Kuiper” to “place the majority of its 3,236-satellite constellation” into orbit, calling the scheme the “biggest commercial acquisition of launch vehicles in history.” In contrast to SpaceX, Project Kuiper has yet to launch any satellites.

However, SpaceX has built a big lead in the battle to provide inexpensive broadband internet access. According to corporate officials and public records, Starlink has more than 250,000 global members and has deployed more than 1,900 satellites to provide the service.

Starlink made international news last month when Musk used it to help the people of Ukraine amid the Russian invasion. Ukrainian government authorities praised Musk’s original statement.