Amazon's Internet Satellites Will Use Space Lasers To Transmit Data 56
Amazon, which launched its first internet satellites in October, says it will use space lasers to ensure reliable broadband coverage even in the middle of the ocean. From a report: The technology will enable a satellite to deliver data to a cruise ship, say, even if the spacecraft isn't in range of an Amazon ground station connected to the internet. Instead, the laser will pass the request on to another satellite that has a clear view of a ground station.
The two prototype satellites successfully tested the technology, which is officially called optical inter-satellite links, Amazon said on Thursday. "If you're going to serve maritime customers, air customers, you have got to be able to get data up to your satellites," said Rajeev Badyal, who leads Amazon's Project Kuiper internet-from-space initiative. "And in the middle of the ocean, it's difficult if not impossible" to install ground stations.
The two prototype satellites successfully tested the technology, which is officially called optical inter-satellite links, Amazon said on Thursday. "If you're going to serve maritime customers, air customers, you have got to be able to get data up to your satellites," said Rajeev Badyal, who leads Amazon's Project Kuiper internet-from-space initiative. "And in the middle of the ocean, it's difficult if not impossible" to install ground stations.
Good, don't want them to use regular lasers. (Score:5, Funny)
You can't just take lasers and put them in space, you need to use space lasers.....
Re:Good, don't want them to use regular lasers. (Score:5, Funny)
You can't just take lasers and put them in space, you need to use space lasers.....
I’m not a laserologist, do those need sharks or not?
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Before the sharks I'd be more concerned if they used space metal or not.
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/... [wikipedia.org]
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There are basically 3 types of laser, just google it!:
1) Regular laser
2) Shark laser
3) Space laser
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It gives new meaning to the movie, "Don't Look Up".
Find my new laser proof sunglasses at https://wtfamazon.biz/ [wtfamazon.biz]
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Re: Good, don't want them to use regular lasers. (Score:2)
Space lasers also need to be fixed to their mounts with genuine Saskatchewan sealskin bindings. Accept no substitutes.
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thanks Q
Re:Prior Art (Score:5, Informative)
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Seems like a weird thing to omit from the article. Presenting it like it's a revolutionary idea.
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SpaceX’s Starlink unit, which operates the biggest constellation of satellites in low-Earth orbit, has included such lasers on its newer models.
Your imaginary boyfriend really doesn't need you to come to his defense at every perceived sleight, you know.
Re: Prior Art (Score:2)
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For example, why was SpaceX even pondered about? It's not like they were the first to use laser space-space communications.
It wasn't a revolutionary idea when they did it, and it isn't now, and the perceived slight is that they weren't given their minute of worship?
No, my snark was entirely warranted. Just look at Rei's posting history.
The real stink here is the echo chamber of
Re: Prior Art (Score:2)
Iridium did it before Starlink (Score:2)
Iridium was using laser data links between satellites in LEO years before Starlink was a think.
may i suggest (Score:2)
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The foil hatters Dont. Need. More. Fuel!
The real question is (Score:5, Funny)
Will they be Jewish space lasers [newsweek.com]?
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That's not a fair attack. MTG actually blamed a "Rothschild Inc" space laser - that's completely different. /s
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She'll split into 2 via mitosis to use distributed annoyance. I'm NOT going to imagine a Beowulf Cluster of that.
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No, they'll just be "jew-ish." [reuters.com]
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Andy Jassy is Jewish... so... technically yes.
Same as Starlink? (Score:2)
Isn't that the same as the new generation of the Starlink satellites?
Seems like it's something necessary to efficiently transfer data in a more directed way without causing interference with the rest of the constellation
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But yes, just like what's on the newer Starlink satellites.
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Iridium (Score:3)
Not the first, but Iridium has been doing it for years, and was the largest constellation doing it for a while.
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Not the first, but Iridium has been doing it for years, and was the largest constellation doing it for a while.
[citation needed] Where are you seeing that? Their wiki page [wikipedia.org] doesn't mention it, although it does mention using RF:
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"Satellites have been doing space-space laser relaying for a decade and a half, now."
As a science experiment maybe, but I am unaware of anyone besides SpaceX regularly using laser communications for meaningful data transfers.
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As a science experiment maybe, but I am unaware of anyone besides SpaceX regularly using laser communications for meaningful data transfers.
Do you think reality must conform to your awareness?
You are wrong.
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Then again, Amazon didn't invent internet retailing or cloud computing either, and now they make billions.
This was a pretty thorough test (Score:2)
This was a pretty thorough test to prove out the Kuiper technology on the Kuiper satellite network.
Both of their satellites were really humming
what aboutism #1 (Score:2)
Re:what aboutism #1 (Score:4, Insightful)
No (dense water-vapour) clouds in space.
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I know we talk about "space weather" around here, but that doesn't mean there are fucking clouds 250km above the ground.
Dr Evil (Score:4, Funny)
I wanted Frickin Sharks with Space Lasers .. whats wrong with you people...
Bezos continues to cosplay Dr Evil in real life , Phallus shaped space and all!!
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2 satelites is only the start (Score:2)
Several companies have test systems in orbit, and it seems not many have gotten it to work. SpaceX has 9000 laser capable systems already in orbit, but seems to be having trouble operating at scale.
All I want... (Score:2)
...is a satellite with a freakin' laser on it's forehead.
Space lasers (Score:2)
the war begins (Score:2)
Amazon also demonstrated its anti-WalMart space laser, which can reach down to Earth and inscribe "FU" on a parking lot.
Not to be outdone, WalMart is testing its anti-truck space laser which can burn up an Amazon delivery van from orbit.
Rumors are that Dollar General is experimenting with $19.95 green lasers purchased on eBay, with little success.
Right (Score:4)
"And in the middle of the ocean, it's difficult if not impossible" to install ground stations.
This is the insightful, cutting-edge tech news I come here for.
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don't look up (Score:2)
Best to not look up when one of these is sending a megawatt laser beam down to you.
Real Genius (Score:2)