Amazon Planning 3,200-Satellite Broadband Mega Constellation; Timing Unclear

Questions about when Amazon hopes to begin launches for its proposed 3,236-satellite broadband constellation or when it might become operational are premature, the company emailed us Thursday. It said Project Kuiper filings at the ITU last week (see here, here and here) are aimed at global broadband coverage targeting "tens of millions of people who lack basic access to broadband internet." Secure World Foundation Director-Program Planning Brian Weeden tweeted that the filings seem to point to it leaving all the satellites in orbit for close to 25 years, which isn't "very good for #spacesustainability."