Latest news with #LowEarthOrbit
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Science
- Hindustan Times
Amazon's Project Kuiper and SpaceX are competing in a space race
Can you imagine life without internet? Honestly, I wouldn't be able to get through the day without connecting to the internet. It is estimated that about 2.5 billion people around the world do not have access. All said and done, the internet is a great equalizer and has the capacity like no other technology before it to bring opportunities, equality and economic upliftment. It is even considered a basic right in some countries. Even with this, there are limitations that the traditional fiber optic broadband connections have been unable to solve for the 2.5 billion people who live in hard-to-reach places over the years. Think of remote deserts like the sub-Saharan Africa, dense jungles like on the banks of the amazon, isolated islands and conflict zones. In recent years, a new technology is solving this problem by providing the internet not through cables and wires but through electronic waves from satellites in space. It is not new that we look for solutions from space when we cannot find one on earth. Geostationary satellites have been providing internet connections for decades. It is the scale and speed of connectivity using what is called Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites that is the game-changer. In this new kind of space race, the number of satellites in space is increasing with every launch. (Starlink) Project Kuiper is Amazon's ambitious initiative to deliver fast, reliable broadband to communities around the world—especially in regions that lack access to traditional internet services. It is part of the device and services division responsible for Kindle, Echo, Fire TV, eero, Ring, and more. Project Kuiper began as an internal code name at Amazon and draws its name from the Kuiper Belt—a region of the solar system located beyond the eight major planets. The belt is named after Dutch astronomer Gerard Kuiper, widely regarded as a pioneer of modern planetary science. Recently, an Atlas V rocket provided the ride to orbit for Amazon's first 27 operational Kuiper satellites. Amazon aims to launch 3232 Kuiper satellites on more than 80 rockets, primarily United Launch Alliance's Atlas V and Vulcan over the next few years. Starlink, Elon Musk's satellite-based internet provider currently has around 7000 active satellites while this is Kuiper's first batch. There is also OneWeb which has about 600 active satellites. There are a few other Chinese LEO satellite-based internet providers as well which are serious contenders. The Starlink and Kuiper constellations both use laser inter-satellite links to relay Internet signals from node-to-node across their networks. Starlink broadcasts consumer broadband in Ku-band frequencies, while Kuiper will use Ka-band. The ka band provides greater bandwidth, smaller antennas, higher data transfer rates but is more susceptible to weather than the Ku-band. That there is competition is a very good indicator of the technology's potential. And more competition should ideally lead to better services being provided to the customer. Amazon hasn't yet announced the pricing on internet plans through Project Kuiper but says balancing affordability and performance will be one of their main targets. Its ultra-compact model provides speeds of up to 100 megabits per second (Mbps), the standard model delivers up to 400 Mbps, and the largest model, which is intended for enterprise, government, and telecommunications applications, delivers up to 1 gigabit per second (Gbps). Amazon expects to make consumer terminals the size of its kindle device for under $400 each. Amazon began research and development on Project Kuiper in 2018. In July 2020, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) granted Amazon a license to deploy and operate Project Kuiper satellites. Amazon's FCC license requires that it deploys and operates at least half of its satellite constellation by July 2026. In India, Amazon's Project Kuiper is awaiting its license from the Department of Telecom (DoT) and regulatory clearance from Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (In-SPACe). Notably, Starlink too is yet to receive its licenses in India. For Amazon, Project Kuiper is a long-term, high-stakes bet on India's satellite broadband future. While competitors like Starlink and OneWeb have an early lead, Amazon's deep pockets and strategic execution could enable Kuiper to enter the Indian market sooner than expected—even ahead of Starlink. Risk of Space junk In this new kind of space race, the number of satellites in space is increasing with every launch. The number of active satellites in the sky would increase rapidly. The amount of stuff zipping around in LEO could ultimately produce a new space problem to deal with – collisions, satellites and space debris. Collisions of two satellites will cause debris orbiting the earth for years. The satellite streaks also alter the night sky to a great extent and cause hindrance to astronomical observations. Ultimate brightness of the satellites is also what worries astronomers. As is mostly the case with fast moving technologies so it is with satellite-based internet technology, and policy here does trail the actual development. Authoured by: Varun Krishnan
The Star
a day ago
- Business
- The Star
Boosting maritime connectivity with satellites
Fast track: Fahmi (centre) checking the Internet speed on his mobile phone alongside Mohamad Fauzi (second from left) and Zairil (second from right) in front of the six-way 4G multi-operator core network in Tanjung Asam, Bayan Lepas. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star GEORGE TOWN: Malaysia is planning to use Low Earth Orbit (LOE) satellites to enhance connectivity in an effort to drive the nation's progress, says Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. The Communications Minister said the initiative, which could potentially start in the third or fourth quarter of this year, was especially vital to boosting connectivity in the maritime and difficult terrain areas. 'This solution is relevant because constructing a 60m tower isn't always feasible, for instance, on remote islands where the terrain and logistics aren't suitable. 'Therefore, we believe the Direct-to-Cell technology could be a viable alternative, and it is part of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission's (MCMC) future plans to help address connectivity challenges,' he said during a press conference after 'Di Mana Ada Jalan, Di Situ Ada Internet' programme at Tanjung Asam here yesterday. Fahmi said the technology would leverage satellites into functioning like transmission towers from space. However, he said the initiative would have to wait for system readiness. Earlier, Fahmi launched the YTL Communications' Tanjung Asam six-way multi-operator core network (MOCN) base station here. The MOCN in Tanjung Asam, which is the fifth in the country, is a milestone project that supports the ministry's vision in building a network infrastructure sharing framework (NISF). Other MOCN facilities in the country are Ikon Tengkolok in Bukit Putus and Kem Pengakap Bukit Putus in Negri Sembilan; Prima Gambang in Pahang; and the West Coast Expressway at Kota Seri Langat Toll Plaza in Banting, Selangor. The NISF effort enables all network operators to improve mobile Internet coverage for the people. The MOCN in Tanjung Asam can provide services to more than 500 residents and 350 daily commuters, including nearby fishing villages and underserved communities, with seamless connectivity to boost the local economic development. Also present during the launch were Penang infrastructure committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari and Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa. Zairil said the state government expressed its gratitude to Putrajaya for the 'Di Mana Ada Jalan, Di Situ Ada Internet' initiative which has brought significant benefits to the local community. 'We still recall the tragic incident that occurred a few years ago at Tanjung Asam beach, where a drowning victim could not be reached in time due to poor network coverage. 'With the development of telecommunications infrastructure and installation of towers, such issues can now be addressed,' said Zairil. He said the initiative would also resolve connectivity 'black spots' along Penang's main trunk roads. The state government, he added, is especially hopeful that similar problematic areas both on the island and the mainland could be tackled through the efforts of the MCMC and the cooperation of all six major telco providers. Meanwhile, Fahmi said the MCMC was also working closely with the Malaysian Highway Authority to have telecommunication coverage on its highways. 'Discussions are ongoing to include some key locations in phase two of the coverage plan. 'Many of these sites will likely require new towers, and we will support such efforts,' he said. He added that the MCMC had also identified about 50km of roads that did not have coverage.
Broadcast Pro
2 days ago
- Business
- Broadcast Pro
OQ Technology launches MACSAT 2.0 mission
By launching this mission, OQ Technology becomes the first European company to target the Direct-to-Smartphone market using 3GPP-standardised NTN connectivity. Luxembourg-based OQ Technology has announced the signing of a contract and the official launch of its MACSAT 2.0 Direct-To-Smartphone Mission, a satellite communication project aimed at advancing 5G connectivity from space. Supported by the Government of Luxembourg through the LuxIMPULSE programme, led by the Luxembourg Space Agency and technically managed by the European Space Agency, the mission marks a major step forward in non-terrestrial networks. Building on the success of the original MACSAT 1.0 In-Orbit-Demo and NB-IoT technology developed by OQ, MACSAT 2.0 aims to develop 5G New Radio (NR) non-terrestrial network (NTN) direct-to-mobile communications in different bands with flexible beams. This technology will enable SMS and emergency broadcasting capabilities in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) for global connectivity. With MACSAT 2.0, OQ Technology becomes the first European company to address the Direct-to-Smartphone market for 3GPP standardised Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) connectivity, which is currently addressed mainly by US satellite companies. This places OQ Technology in a strategic position to enhance Luxembourg and the European connectivity infrastructure independence and resilience in space. This achievement enables OQ Technology to be at the forefront of European public and government initiatives, including IRIS². The Direct-To-Smartphone connectivity has gained recently a lot of attention in the defense sector with governments investing heavily in advancing resilient and secure cellular coverage over satellites in the battlefield, in addition to providing reliable communication during disasters for first-responders and communities. Omar Qaise, CEO of OQ Technology, commented: 'The MACSAT 2.0 mission represents a major milestone in satellite based 5G connectivity, solidifying OQ Technology's position as a European pioneer in non-terrestrial 5G. By demonstrating direct-to-mobile capabilities in Low Earth Orbit, we are paving the way for ubiquitous global communications that can transform how people and devices connect. We are honored to be leading this collaborative effort with the Luxembourg Space Agency and European Space Agency.' 'Luxembourg has been a frontrunner in satellite communication since the 80s. Direct to device, and direct to mobile communication represent a fantastic development, and have the potential to significantly impact our lives. We are looking forward to the MACSAT 2.0 mission and its developments,' said the Minister of the Economy, Lex Delles. The MACSAT 2.0 IOD Mission represents a collaborative effort between industry and government, showcasing Luxembourg's commitment to space technology innovation and OQ Technology's leadership in satellite based 5G solutions.
The Star
2 days ago
- The Star
Govt to boost highway connectivity with 'Roads Must Have Internet' drive, says Fahmi
GEORGE TOWN: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) will collaborate with the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) to identify nearly 50km of road nationwide that currently have no telecommunications coverage. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said this after visiting the YES Tanjung Asam 4G MOCN Tower during the "Where There's a Road, There's Internet" programme in Tanjung Asam, Bayan Lepas here on Tuesday (July 1). "There are several key locations currently under discussion, and my hope is that these can be included in Phase Two of the National Digital Network Plan (Jendela), as many of these areas will likely require new tower construction,' said Fahmi Also present were Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa, State Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari and Bayan Lepas assemblyman Datuk Azrul Mahathir Aziz, who is also Penang Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker. Fahmi also announced that the Communications Ministry was aiming to implement a proof of concept for direct-to-cell technology via Low Earth Orbit satellites in several locations during the third or fourth quarter of this year. He said the initiative was delayed due to technical issues, but discussions are ongoing. "With this technology, satellites can act as cell towers from space. For instance, someone on the coastline would be able to contact authorities immediately in emergencies," he explained. "In places like islands where building 60-metre towers may not be feasible, direct-to-cell satellite technology can be a viable solution," he added. – Bernama
The Sun
2 days ago
- Science
- The Sun
Govt to boost highway Internet coverage with new connectivity drive
GEORGE TOWN: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) will collaborate with the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) to identify nearly 50 kilometres of road nationwide that currently have no telecommunications coverage. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said the initiative is part of the government's commitment to the principle of 'where there's a road, there's Internet', aimed at improving connectivity along highways across the country. 'There are several key locations currently under discussion, and my hope is that these can be included in Phase Two of the National Digital Network Plan (JENDELA), as many of these areas will likely require new tower construction. 'So, insya-Allah, we will assist,' he told reporters after visiting the YES Tanjung Asam 4G MOCN Tower during the 'Where There's a Road, There's Internet' programme in Tanjung Asam, Bayan Lepas here today. Also present were Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa, State Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari and Bayan Lepas assemblyman Datuk Azrul Mahathir Aziz, who is also Penang Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker. Fahmi also announced that the Communications Ministry is aiming to implement a proof of concept (POC) for direct-to-cell technology via Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites in several locations during the third or fourth quarter of this year. He said the initiative is currently delayed due to technical issues, but discussions are ongoing with LEO satellite operators to address connectivity challenges in remote areas, including maritime zones. 'With this technology, satellites can act as cell towers from space. For instance, someone on the coastline would be able to contact authorities immediately in emergencies, such as drowning incidents,' he explained. 'In places like islands where building 60-metre towers may not be feasible, direct-to-cell satellite technology can be a viable solution,' he added.
