Amazon successfully launched its first batch of operational Project Kuiper satellites into low-Earth orbit Monday evening, setting the stage for a major push into the satellite internet market currently led by SpaceX’s Starlink.
A Major Milestone for Project Kuiper
An Atlas V rocket operated by United Launch Alliance carried 27 satellites into orbit at 7 p.m. ET from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The launch, delayed earlier this month by bad weather, kicks off Amazon’s long-planned $10 billion investment in building a network of over 3,200 satellites to deliver broadband around the world.
“will be the first time we’ve flown our final satellite design and the first time we’ve deployed so many satellites at once.”
said Rajeev Badyal, vice president of Project Kuiper. He described the launch as a crucial learning step as Amazon prepares for frequent deployments.
Project Kuiper’s entry into the market comes years after SpaceX began deploying Starlink satellites, which now serve over 5 million users globally. Analysts have questioned whether Amazon can catch up. Craig Moffett, a senior analyst at MoffettNathanson, noted the company faces
“a very, very high probability that this will turn out to be too late for it to ever come close to being an attractive investment.”
Technical and Financial Challenges Ahead
Amazon’s satellites will orbit at approximately 280 miles above Earth, promising faster data speeds than traditional geosynchronous satellites. However, the financial stakes are high: early estimates suggest it could cost Amazon up to $17 billion to establish the first phase of Kuiper.
Despite the risks, some experts see an opportunity. Mahdi Eslamimehr, an executive at Quandary Peak Research, said Amazon’s deep resources and launch partnerships position it as a serious challenger. He told CNET.
“These developments collectively underscore Amazon’s robust entry into the satellite internet market,”
Countdown to Customer Rollout
Amazon expects initial customer service to begin later this year, although scaling coverage will take multiple launches. Under FCC rules, Amazon is required to have 50% of its Kuiper constellation active by the middle of 2026.
As the sky grows more crowded, the competition between Starlink, Kuiper, and other satellite ventures promises to reshape how internet access reaches even the most remote parts of the world.
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