Amazon’s satellite internet system, Project Kuiper, has crossed a key milestone: The satellite technology has shown it can maneuver in space, thanks to an onboard propulsion system. 

Amazon reported the progress on Friday, a month after launching the first test satellites for Project Kuiper, which is poised to be a rival to SpaceX’s Starlink system. 

The two test satellites, KuiperSat-1 and KuiperSat-2, were deployed into Earth’s orbit at over 300 miles above the planet’s surface. The satellites then became fully active on Oct.16. 

(Credit: ULA)

Amazon now says KuiperSat-1 and KuiperSat-2 successfully completed a test involving their electric propulsion system, which taps ionized Krypton gas to produce thrust. The results show the satellites have the capacity to perform a variety of in-space maneuvers. This includes maintaining their orbits, dodging incoming space debris, and de-orbiting themselves, causing the satellites to burn up in Earth’s atmosphere once their mission has been completed. 

Recommended by Our Editors

I’ve Used Starlink for Years. Here Are 3 Pro Tips You Have to Try

Amazon's Starlink Rival Faces Setback With Blue Origin Rocket Explosion

Starlink: No Price Hike for New Users With Promotional Discounts (For Now)

The maneuvering ability is critical to preventing the satellites from posing an orbital hazard. The company’s current FCC license allows Project Kuiper to deploy 3,236 orbiting satellites. 

“If our satellites did not have active propulsion, Earth’s atmosphere would naturally drag them into lower orbits over time,” Amazon noted. “Our custom-built propulsion system helps counteract that natural force and ensure we can safely and reliably operate each satellite within 5.6 miles (9 kilometers) of its assigned altitude.”

The tests also show the Kuiper satellites possess maneuvering capabilities similar to Starlink satellites, which have their own onboard electric propulsion system. However, Amazon has yet to report progress on how the Kuiper satellites perform when beaming high-speed internet to receivers on the ground. Previously, the company said it expects the satellites to beam broadband capable of reaching up to 100Mbps for consumer terminals and 1Gbps for enterprise users. 

Once Amazon is finished with the test satellites, it’ll then de-orbit them, so they can burn up in the Earth’s atmosphere. The company then plans on launching the first production Kuiper satellites in the first half of next year with early beta testing with commercial customers anticipated for late 2024.