Amazon has successfully launched its first batch of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites as part of its long-awaited internet initiative, Project Kuiper. The launch took place from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, using a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket. This marks Amazon’s official entry into direct competition with Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet network.
Although the launch was previously delayed due to unfavorable weather, this attempt was completed without any issues. The satellites, deployed at an altitude of approximately 450 kilometers, are now undergoing autonomous maneuvering and communication system tests—crucial for validating the technical viability of Project Kuiper.
Amazon CEO Andy Jassy confirmed that all 27 satellites are functioning as expected in orbit, calling this a “first step in a long journey.”
A Global Vision: 3,236 Satellites, $10 Billion Investment
Initially announced six years ago, Amazon’s Kuiper project aims to provide fast and reliable internet access across the globe. The company plans to deploy a network of 3,236 satellites. According to the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC), at least half of these —1,618 satellites— must be launched by July 2026. To meet this deadline, Amazon has already secured over 80 launch slots.
The satellites will not only be deployed by ULA but also by other partners including SpaceX, Arianespace, and Jeff Bezos’s Blue Origin. The project represents an estimated investment of $10 billion, with the goal of launching commercial service before the end of 2025, targeting individual users, businesses, and public institutions.
Can Amazon Challenge Starlink?
Despite the promising start, Amazon faces a significant uphill climb. Since 2019, Starlink has launched over 7,100 satellites, with a long-term goal of 42,000. In contrast, Kuiper is just getting off the ground.
However, Amazon’s financial power and technological capabilities could eventually position Project Kuiper as a serious contender in the global internet race. If everything proceeds as planned, we may see a fierce competition for space-based connectivity in the near future.