Amazon's Internet Satellites Will Use Space Lasers To Transmit Data

Amazon, which launched its first internet satellites in October, says it will use space lasers to ensure reliable broadband coverage even in the middle of the ocean. From a report: The technology will enable a satellite to deliver data to a cruise ship, say, even if the spacecraft isn't in range of an Amazon ground station connected to the internet. Instead, the laser will pass the request on to another satellite that has a clear view of a ground station.

The two prototype satellites successfully tested the technology, which is officially called optical inter-satellite links, Amazon said on Thursday. 'If you're going to serve maritime customers, air customers, you have got to be able to get data up to your satellites,' said Rajeev Badyal, who leads Amazon's Project Kuiper internet-from-space initiative. 'And in the middle of the ocean, it's difficult if not impossible' to install ground stations.

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