Amazon and SpaceX both want to be the first to create a constellation internet-beaming satellites.
SpaceX may have more to prove in terms of actual progress, but Elon Musk's company has already launched more than 1,700 satellites into space, where they are beaming down usable internet. Amazons Kuiper Systems constellation is still only paper, and the e-retail giant is claiming that SpaceX is violating Federal Communications Commission rules.
Ars Technica shared a harsh letter from Amazon today that criticized Musk's freewheeling, anti-regulation leadership style.
Musk-led companies should be held to flight rules. The letter states that you are fundamentally inept. You can hold Musk-led companies to safety and health rules. You are unelected and ignorant. You'll be called many names. Some too simple to repeat.
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Amazon also claimed that SpaceX was anticompetitive to any private company who dares to point out its disregard of laws and regulations.
SpaceX is really bribing its way to the top by disregarding safety regulations and safety rules? SpaceX's safety record is a strong argument.
It is not clear if SpaceX's Starlink actions are responsible for Kuiper System falling behind its competitors. SpaceX's first satellite will be launched in 2023, when the constellation is expected to break ground.
This dispute has been going on for quite some time. Amazon complained to the regulator late last month that SpaceX's plans for a Starlink system of a second generation broke FCC rules, as they covered two different orbital parameters.
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SpaceX retorted, saying that SpaceX's plans don't actually violate the rules. It also told the FCC that Amazon often got in the way of progress and that it was trying to compensate.
It was a straight shot across the bow. Musk continued his argument in several tweets, arguing Jeff Bezos, Amazon's co-founder, had retired to pursue a full time job in SpaceX litigations.
This tweet also refers to Blue Origin, Bezos' space company, suing NASA for its decision to select SpaceX as its sole winner of its lunar landing contract.
Amazon has now publicly criticized SpaceX for not following the rules. This week's letter stated that Amazon only wants to maintain the efficiency and fairness of the FCCs licensing process.
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The letter stated that SpaceX and Musk should not be held above the rules. They will only attract further protests from Amazon and other people who want equal rules for everyone.
Given Amazon's position in relation to satellite constellations, it is arguably an absurd argument.
SpaceX is clearly a space pioneer and a leader in space, but it is still up for debate whether this is really a way to crush the competition. Musk and his company are moving ahead, and have been technically authorized by FCC to launch an additional 30,000 satellites.
It is not clear when or if Amazons Kuiper Systems is going to catch up to Starlink. SpaceX is willing to fire at SpaceX in an effort to slow down its biggest competitors.
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READ MORE: Amazon Slams SpaceX and Tells FCC That Musk-led Companies Are Rule-Bbreakers [Ars Technica]
Elon Musk suggests that Jeff Bezos be zapped with our Space Lasers
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