Through its subsidiary Kuiper Systems, Amazon AMZN -1.2% will start providing broadband internet service from orbit later this year, most likely around the holidays. The first satellites of the project were launched in October of last year, and it has been under development since 2019.

The project, which aims to provide low-latency connections to billions of people without dependable internet access worldwide, is conceptually similar to the SpaceX Starlink constellation. But Kuiper is doing more than just providing low-Earth orbit with high-speed internet access. It is adding capabilities to its constellation of more than 3,200 satellites to fortify the project against cyberattacks, electronic jamming, and other dangers to U.S. space assets.

The most notable aspect of this constellation is the use of laser crosslinks between the satellites, which will form an almost impenetrable space mesh network. In the event of an attack on one of the network’s satellites, connections can be quickly redirected to alternative nodes, preventing service degradation.

The Pentagon, which has long worried that attacks against U.S. space systems might render the combined force completely blind at the start of a conflict, places a high value on this kind of resilience.

That is far less likely with the Kuiper architecture in place, and the government is already looking into ways to leverage the new system to strengthen U.S. defences. Last autumn, Amazon, a supporter of my think tank, successfully tested the operation of the laser crosslinks on its first two satellites, transporting 100 gigabits of data per second.

Every satellite in the system will be connected at that degree of functionality — that is, one hundred billion bits. Since Kuiper satellites are expected to operate on almost a hundred orbital planes, the link architecture is all the more impressive.

With data travelling through space at a speed of roughly 30% faster than through terrestrial fibre, Kuiper’s mesh network will be able to transfer enormous volumes of data at speeds that are not possible on Earth. However, that is only the start of how Kuiper might offer a special resource to users in the commercial, civil, and military spheres. In comparison to previous systems of this kind, the project has created a family of customer terminals with throughputs ranging from 100 megabits per second to a gigabit per second that are lighter and smaller.

Corporate and military users would probably prefer the latter, upscale terminal. The 100 Mbps terminal can be readily modified for use at the tactical edge, where warfighters frequently struggle to obtain sufficient connectivity, but it is more than sufficient for any residential use.

A global network of ground stations will be built as part of the Kuiper system. Using the electric propulsion that Amazon developed specifically for each satellite, the ground stations ensure that the satellites remain in their proper positions and also provide links to the terrestrial internet network.

Because of the laser crosslinks in space, signals between satellites and surface users would be extremely difficult for an adversary to jam or intercept. Kuiper has used lessons learned from Amazon’s cloud computing business to protect the network from cyberattacks.

The signals between satellites and surface users would be extremely difficult for an adversary to jam or intercept, much like the crosslinks in space. To ensure that the network is safe from cyberattacks, Kuiper has taken advantage of the knowledge that Amazon’s cloud computing division has to offer.

Despite being primarily a commercial endeavour funded by $10 billion from Amazon, Kuiper is already in discussions with the U.S. Space Force regarding how its system can complement military satellites to ensure the joint force’s connectivity during times of war. It will, at the very least, give the Starlink system, which has been so helpful in thwarting Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, some competition. Competition is often the most effective force behind price and performance in space, as it is everywhere else.

Imagine a scenario where a hurricane devastates a coastal town, severing traditional communication lines. First responders equipped with Kuiper-enabled devices could.

1. Coordinate search and rescue efforts in real-time, sharing vital information like aerial imagery and survivor location, which is incredible.
2. Establish emergency communication hubs, allowing residents to connect with loved ones and access critical updates.
3. Utilise telemedicine services by providing remote healthcare to injured individuals in isolated areas.

Beyond communication, Kuiper could provide secure data links for remote troop deployments, enabling real-time intelligence sharing and battlefield coordination. Imagine soldiers utilising encrypted laser communication from the frontlines, transmitting critical data without fear of interception.

Although there are concerns that are coming to light, including cybersecurity risks, with satellite networks, vulnerabilities exist and malicious actors could target the system to disrupt communication, manipulate data, or gain access to sensitive information. Robust cyber defence measures are crucial to mitigating these risks, requiring collaboration between Amazon, the government and cyber security experts.

While technological advancements are exciting, the private ownership of such critical infrastructure raises questions about accountability and control. Governments relying on Kuiper for sensitive communications might face dependence on a private company, potentially impacting strategic decision-making.

Export credit insurance, typically used to support exports of national goods and services, could become a tool to incentivize responsible development and mitigate dependence on specific providers. Furthermore, international dialogue and collaboration are crucial to establishing clear regulations and ethical guidelines for utilising such networks, ensuring responsible development and preventing weaponization.

While Kuiper is a major player, it’s not the only game in town. Existing and emerging satellite constellations like Starlink and OneWeb also offer the potential for disaster response and military applications. Governments and international organisations are also actively developing their own communication infrastructure to reduce reliance on private companies. Evaluating and comparing different solutions within a broader context is vital to ensuring the optimal development and utilisation of space-based communication technologies.

In conclusion, Amazon’s Kuiper project offers promising solutions for disaster response and military communication, but careful consideration of cybersecurity risks, data privacy concerns, and the potential for weaponization is necessary. Balancing innovation with ethical and responsible development will be key to ensuring this technology serves the greater good.