Speaker
Description
Amazon’s Project Kuiper is a planned Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite broadband network that will use a constellation of 3232 satellites to provide fast, affordable connectivity to unserved and underserved communities globally. In developing a large constellation, it is necessary to consider space sustainability as a key factor during the design process – not only because it protects the space environment for other operators and astronomers, but also because it is critical to the continued success of the mission. As a result, Project Kuiper has developed a holistic approach to integrating space sustainability into the design and operations of its LEO constellation.
This presentation will provide an overview of Kuiper’s space sustainability efforts. This includes Kuiper’s solutions and ongoing research regarding timely deorbit, collision avoidance, the preservation of dark and quiet skies, satellite demisability, and the atmospheric impacts of satellite reentry. Using Kuiper’s approach as an example, the audience will gain a better understanding of the practical considerations associated with implementing space sustainability initiatives, the solutions available to operators seeking to develop more sustainable systems, and the efforts that large constellation operators are taking to continually improve the space environment for all.
