Amazon’s Launched First 27 Satellites to Challenge Starlink
After years of planning and a few weather-related delays, Amazon officially launched its ambitious space adventure. On Monday, the first 27 satellites for Project Kuiper — Amazon’s satellite internet constellation — successfully launched into orbit from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.Riding atop a powerful Atlas V rocket provided by United Launch Alliance (a collaboration between Boeing and Lockheed Martin), these satellites mark the beginning of Amazon’s ambitious mission to build a low-Earth orbit network of 3,236 satellites. The goal? To deliver high-speed broadband internet across the globe, especially to underserved rural areas — a direct challenge to SpaceX’s Starlink, which has led this sector for years.Project Kuiper, a $10 billion venture first announced in 2019, represents one of Amazon’s largest investments outside its core e-commerce business. The project aims to connect individuals, businesses, and government sectors worldwide, tapping into a customer base that rivals AT&T, T-Mobile, and global telecom giants.Initially scheduled for an early 2024 deployment, the mission faced a delay of over a year due to technical and weather-related setbacks. Despite the later start, Amazon remains committed to meeting the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) deadline of mid-2026 to have at least 1,618 satellites operational. Analysts believe an extension might be necessary, but the journey is now firmly underway.With Project Kuiper finally in orbit, Amazon has officially entered the high-stakes race to bring the world closer, one satellite at a time.
