Key facts
- Amazon expects to begin initial internet service with its Leo broadband satellite network this year.
- The company's latest launch increased its satellite count to over 390.
- Initial service is anticipated to commence near the Earth's north and south poles.
- Amazon plans to deploy over 3,200 satellites for global internet coverage.
- Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket experienced an explosion last month, impacting launch schedules.
Amazon anticipates launching initial internet service through its Project Kuiper satellite network by the end of this year, following its 14th launch which brought the constellation's satellite count to over 390. Chris Weber, Amazon's Leo chief, stated that while significant work remains, enough launches have been completed to support initial service, with future missions aimed at enhancing coverage and capacity.
The company's latest launch, aboard a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket, deployed 29 satellites. The constellation currently has 394 satellites in orbit out of 398 launched since April 2025. Initial service is expected to begin in polar regions and gradually expand towards the equator as more satellites are added.
Project Kuiper is positioned as a competitor to SpaceX's Starlink, which has approximately 10,000 satellites. Amazon plans to offer internet service to consumers, governments, and businesses using Leo terminals of varying sizes. The company has secured tens of billions of dollars in rocket bookings to deploy its planned constellation of over 3,200 satellites.
However, Amazon's launch plans face potential delays due to issues with its other planned launch vehicles. Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket suffered an explosion last month, destroying its launchpad, with launches expected to resume by year-end. ULA's new Vulcan rocket, which is booked for at least 40 Kuiper missions, is also grounded due to a solid rocket motor separation issue. The Vulcan rocket uses the same Blue Origin-built BE-4 engines as New Glenn, raising concerns about potential shared faults.