Amazon’s satellite internet project, Kuiper projectwill use laser technology to function as a mesh network in space, increasing throughput and reducing latency to deliver a secure and resilient connection.

The technology company deployed two Project Kuiper satellite prototypes in October to conduct network and load testing. During the entire test window, connections of 100 gigabits per second (Gbps) were achieved over a distance of almost 1,000 kilometers.

These tests also tested the operation of the optical inter-satellite link (OISL) capability, a “critical” system that Amazon just made public. with which it hopes to create a mesh network in space in the future, it reports in a press release.

Unlike other satellite Internet systems, which connect an individual satellite to a terrestrial antenna, Project Kuiper uses infrared lasers to transmit data between the remaining satellites that make up a constellation. details Europe Press.

In this way, the optical link between satellites creates a ‘secure and resilient’ mesh network, with the ability to improve performance and reduce latency across the constellation, providing greater flexibility to serve customers on the ground, at sea , in the air and in space. The reduced latency also uses the Amazon Web Services (AWS) infrastructure to route data traffic.

According to Amazon, this system has also proven in testing to be able to establish and maintain laser links on moving satellites using an advanced optics and control system.

“Amazon’s OISL capabilities will enable Project Kuiper to move and land data anywhere within its space mesh network, providing secure and resilient connectivity to a wide range of enterprise and public sector customers.”, especially in regions without a nearby ground station, the company points out.

The optical connection system between satellites will be operational in the first production satellites, scheduled for launch in the first half of 2024. (I)