Amazon Launches First Satellites for Project Kuiper to Rival Starlink

Published 2 hours agoAMZN

Amazon Launches First Satellites for Project Kuiper to Rival Starlink

Amazon has taken a significant leap in its quest to provide global broadband internet by launching the first 27 satellites of its Project Kuiper. This milestone marks the beginning of its $10 billion initiative to compete directly with SpaceX's Starlink. According to Reuters, the satellites were dispatched into low-Earth orbit via a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida, setting the groundwork for Amazon’s expansive internet coverage plan.

The full scope of Project Kuiper aims to deploy 3,236 satellites with the goal of offering high-speed, low-latency broadband services across the globe. To satisfy regulatory expectations, Amazon must deploy half of this constellation by mid-2026, as mandated by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Meanwhile, SpaceX's Starlink has already set a high bar, operating over 8,000 satellites and serving more than 5 million users worldwide.

Looking ahead, Amazon has outlined plans to initiate customer service by 2025, with consumer terminals priced under $400. To support this ambitious project, the company has secured 83 rocket launches through partnerships with United Launch Alliance, Arianespace, and Blue Origin. By pushing forward with these plans, Amazon underscores its dedication to providing affordable and reliable internet services on a global scale.

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