Amazon Hits Satellite Milestone, Aims to Challenge Starlink with Commercial Internet Service

Amazon has reached a crucial milestone in its plans to launch a commercial space-based internet service, Amazon Leo. The company has deployed enough low-Earth orbit satellites to begin offering its broadband internet service later this year. This achievement comes after a successful midnight rocket launch from Cape Canaveral, which delivered 29 production satellites into orbit.

The deployment brings Amazon's active constellation to 396 satellites. Chris Weber, vice president of business and product for Amazon Leo, stated that 'We've completed enough launches for initial service this year, and future missions just add coverage and capacity.'

Despite reaching this milestone, Amazon faces a significant challenge from SpaceX's established Starlink network, which operates roughly 10,000 satellites. However, Amazon is investing heavily in its satellite capabilities and has secured deals to power direct-to-device satellite features for Apple iPhones starting in 2028.

To scale up its constellation, Amazon will transition to next-generation heavy-lift vehicles, including ULA's Vulcan rocket and Blue Origin's New Glenn. This ramp-up in launch cadence is crucial for the company to rapidly expand network capacity and counter recent infrastructure setbacks.