MacLeech Kuiper needs a couple thousand satellites in orbit by July next year per their FCC license.
Actually, 50% of 3236 is 1618 satellites. The FCC document is at https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/FCC-20-102A1.pdf
II. BACKGROUND
- Application. In its July 4, 2019 application,2 Kuiper proposes to deliver high-speed, low-latency broadband services by operating 3,236 satellites in 98 orbital planes at altitudes of 590 km, 610 km, and 630 km.3
- IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that this authorization is also subject to the following
requirements:
a. Kuiper must post a surety bond in satisfaction of 47 CFR §§ 25.165(a)(1) & (b) no later than August 30, 2020, and thereafter maintain on file a surety bond requiring payment in the event of a default in an amount, at minimum, determined according to the formula set forth in 47 CFR § 25.165(a)(1); and
b. Kuiper must launch the space stations, place them in the assigned orbits, and operate them in accordance with this authorization and 47 CFR § 25.164(b). Section 25.164(b) requires Kuiper to launch and operate 50 percent of its satellites no later than July 30, 2026, and Kuiper must launch the remaining space stations necessary to complete its authorized service constellation, place them in their assigned orbits, and operate each of them in accordance with the authorization no later than July 30, 2029. 47 CFR § 25.164(b).