ABL Space Systems, USA, has been selected by Amazon to launch the first two prototype satellites for its planned Kuiper LEO constellation. The announcement was published on 1 November and also mentioned an additional multi-launch deal between the companies. ABL is working towards the maiden launch of its RS-1 rocket, planned for before the end of year. The contract stipulates having the RS-1 vehicle place the two satellites in to LEO by Q4 2022.
These two test satellites will not be counted towards the constellation proper. They are to be used to trial particular technologies in-situ as the Kuiper satellites proper are developed and built concurrently.