FCC approves Amazon’s internet-from-space Kuiper constellation of 3,236 satellites

[smp]

From TheVerge.com:
"The Federal Communications Commission has approved Amazon’s plans for its ambitious Kuiper constellation, which entails sending 3,236 satellites into orbit to beam internet coverage down to Earth. The decision is a crucial regulatory step that paves the way for Amazon to start launching the satellites when they’re ready."

https://www.theverge.com/2020/7/30/2134 ... n-approval

More and more satellites coming. SIGH!

smp

[OhNo]

That is TERRIBLE News!

[notFritzArgelander]

Thanks for the news. It's hard to like though.

Anyone else find it obscenely ironic that it's named for a great Dutch astronomer, Gerard Kuiper? I bet he's doing pinwheels in his grave.

[Thefatkitty]

As in the Kuiper belt... have to agree, not the "belt" like this will be. So much I could/want to say, but I like this forum...

[notFritzArgelander]

As in the Kuiper belt... have to agree, not the "belt" like this will be. So much I could/want to say, but I like this forum...

Yes. Me too.

[Ylem]

Can't wait...

[Graeme1858]

How does the The US Federal Communications Commission have the right to approve something that will affect people that don't want it all over the world?

[Greenman]

How does the The US Federal Communications Commission have the right to approve something that will affect people that don't want it all over the world?

It's called democracy. I too will not comment further except :flame:

[pakarinen]

I've been lucky - I've yet to see a Starlink train while observing.

I could switch back to keeping marine aquariums, but we're killing the oceans too.

[Star Dad]

Makes one wonder how NASA will ever be able to launch any exo-Earth mission. The number of satellites is going to go exponential and keeping track of all of them and debris and avoiding all that will be a challenge. I'm reminded of a song... "Money, Money, Money" - I think ABBA recorded it.

[Graeme1858]

It's called democracy. I too will not comment further except :flame:

It doesn't even remotely resemble democracy. People have been looking at the night sky for a million years. People still look at the night sky all round the world. The FCC didn't give any of them a vote before deciding that a private company could change what we see in the night sky forever.

Our country had that system of democracy 200 years ago. A tiny minority of men decided everything without consultation and without the blessing of most of the people to suit their own aims. Women had to fight to change it to get a vote. Working people had to fight to change it to get a vote. This is no different.

[Greenman]

Hi Graeme,

That was my limp attempt at satire; I thought the follow on would give a hint. Ah well, I think I'll cancel the standup routine.

Yes agreed, it is the the reverse of democracy, these big corporations are guaranteed to get anything passed by the administration.

[helicon]

Not good news. Way too many gadgets up there already with Starlink. So, let's let another centibillionaire get into the act.

[OhNo]

This space stuff doesn't just effect the US. About time there was a Multinational represented control measure. And NOT just the G7 countries. Boycotting Amazon would be a fine start. I've never purchased a thing from that guy's company and this latest put the final nail in that coffin!