Project Kuiper (Ariane 6 #1)
Ariane 64
Arianespace
Mission
Project Kuiper (Ariane 6 #1)
- Type: Communications
- Orbit: Low Earth Orbit
- Launch Cost: $90,000,000
Project Kuiper is a mega constellation of satellites in Low Earth Orbit that will offer broadband internet access, this constellation will be managed by Kuiper Systems LLC, a subsidiary of Amazon. This constellation is planned to be composed of 3,276 satellites. The satellites are projected to be placed in 98 orbital planes in three orbital layers, one at 590 km, 610 km and 630 km altitude.
35-40 satellites will be carried on each Ariane 6 launch.
Location
Ariane Launch Area 4
Guiana Space Centre, French Guiana
Ariane Launch Area 4 has witnessed the launch of 2 rockets, including 2 orbital launch attempts. While Guiana Space Centre, French Guiana, has been the site for 325 rocket launches.
The Guiana Space Centre is a European spaceport to the northwest of Kourou in French Guiana, a region of France in South America. Kourou is located at a latitude of 5°. In operation since 1968, it is a suitable location for a spaceport because of its equatorial location and open sea to the east.
Rocket
ArianeGroup Ariane 64
The Ariane 6 family is currently under development by the European Space Agency, with two variations including the Ariane 64 with four solid boosters intended for government and scientific missions.