Amazon to Invest $120 Million in Satellite Processing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida for Project Kuiper
Amazon, the tech giant, has announced plans to invest $120 million in building a satellite processing facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida for its ambitious Project Kuiper. Project Kuiper aims to establish a global network of 3,236 satellites in low Earth orbit to provide high-speed internet access worldwide.
The 100,000-square-foot satellite processing facility will play a crucial role in preparing the satellites for launch. It will serve as one of the final steps before the satellites are launched into orbit using the rockets of United Launch Alliance (ULA) and Blue Origin, which is separately owned by Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos.
The location of the facility holds significance as it will be built at the Launch and Landing Facility (LLF) that was previously used for NASA’s Space Shuttle missions. Space Florida, the organization responsible for the development of the state’s space economy, now leases and operates LLF. Frank DiBello, CEO of Space Florida, expressed his excitement about Amazon being the first major tenant at LLF and highlighted the state’s commitment to supporting space-related ventures.
Steve Metayer, Amazon’s vice president of Kuiper production operations, shared the timeline for the facility’s construction, stating that it will be completed by the end of 2024. The first production satellites are expected to be processed through the facility by early 2025. Amazon had previously announced a massive corporate rocket deal, securing 77 launches from various companies to deploy its satellites in compliance with regulatory requirements.
Despite facing delays in launching its first two Kuiper prototype satellites, Amazon remains hopeful that the prototypes will be ready for launch in the coming months. The company plans to fly the prototypes on ULA’s Vulcan rocket, which is scheduled for its inaugural launch in the fourth quarter. However, Amazon is exploring all available options to ensure a timely launch.
Project Kuiper currently employs over 1,400 individuals, and its main facilities are located near Seattle, in Redmond and Kirkland. Amazon also has additional locations in San Diego, Austin, New York City, and Washington, D.C. According to Metayer, the company prioritizes accessing talent when determining its locations.
The investment made by Amazon in the satellite processing facility underscores its commitment to expanding its presence in the space industry and advancing its Project Kuiper’s mission of global internet access.