Amazon to compete with Starlink with its own satellite constellation

Amazon will be competing with Elon Musk’s Starlink as it plans to launch the first batch of 27 Project Kuiper space internet satellites by next week. Amazon has secured 80 such launch missions, each aiming to deliver dozens of satellites into low Earth orbit (LEO). These satellites together would form a constellation to rival Starlink. The company will begin offering high-speed and low-latency internet services by the end of this year.

 Amazon is actively eyeing to enter the satellite internet sector with its Project Kuiper initiative, aiming to compete directly with SpaceX's Starlink. The tech giant is scheduled to launch the first 27 Kuiper satellites on April 9, 2025, using an Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. This mission, dubbed Kuiper Atlas 1, marks the commencement of Amazon's large-scale satellite deployment.

Global expansion

Beyond the U.S., Amazon has expressed intentions to introduce its satellite broadband service in international markets, including the United Kingdom. The company is seeking access to British radio frequencies to facilitate this expansion, aiming to compete with existing services like Starlink.

SpaceX's Starlink currently leads the satellite internet market with approximately 7,000 satellites in orbit and over 4.5 million users across 100 countries. Starlink operates at altitudes around 550 km.

Amazon's strategy

Project Kuiper satellites will orbit at approximately 600 km, slightly higher than Starlink's operational altitude. Amazon has secured launch agreements with providers including United Launch Alliance (ULA), Arianespace, Blue Origin, and SpaceX, committing to 83 launches to support its satellite deployment.