Starlink operator SpaceX has accused Amazon’s Kuiper Systems of launching satellites into higher-than-allowed altitudes, potentially endangering other operational spacecraft. The move comes as both companies vie for control in the burgeoning low-Earth orbit market.
In a letter to the FCC, SpaceX stated that Amazon's satellites are being deployed up to 90km higher than approved, creating significant collision risks and violating orbital debris mitigation plans. This accusation follows SpaceX’s recent satellite failures, which have also added to space debris.
Amazon, on the other hand, denied these claims, stating it had informed the FCC about its launch parameters well in advance. The company highlighted that SpaceX itself helped them with a similar launch last year, suggesting hypocrisy from its competitor.
The spat between the two tech giants has escalated to such an extent that they’ve each accused the other of using FCC proceedings to delay launches. In a twist, SpaceX’s friend at the FCC, Chairman Brendan Carr, recently criticised Amazon's petition against a SpaceX satellite launch request.
