Amazon's Kuiper vs. SpaceX's Starlink: A Tale of Two Satellite Architectures

Amazon's Kuiper project recently launched its first batch of satellites, showcasing a key architectural difference from SpaceX's Starlink. Starlink utilizes a simplified, flat-panel design maximizing payload and minimizing cost, while Kuiper employs a more conventional approach offering greater design flexibility. Though individual Kuiper satellite mass is comparable to Starlink, the launch architecture and design philosophy highlight contrasting deployment strategies. China's Qianfan constellation also mirrors Starlink's flat-panel design, indicating the industry impact of SpaceX's approach.