Amazon launches first satellite, challenging Musk's Starlink network
29/04/2025
Amazon launches 27 satellites as the start of Project Kuiper to provide global internet coverage. -File photo/Reuters
SAN JOSE: Amazon launched its first group of internet satellites into space on Monday, marking the start of its efforts to build a network to rival Elon Musk's Starlink, the German News Agency (dpa) reported.
Amazon launched 27 satellites as the start of Project Kuiper to provide global internet coverage.
Project Kuiper aims to build a constellation of around 3,200 satellites in the next few years.
SpaceX's Starlink network dominates the global satellite internet market with about 7,000 satellites, but analysts believe there is still room for competition.
A United Launch Alliance-controlled Atlas V rocket carried 27 satellites into orbit from Cape Canaveral, Florida.
The satellite is part of the Amazon Kuiper Project, which aims to build hundreds of satellites to form a constellation of around 3,200 satellites in the next few years to provide global internet coverage.
This launch was carried out after being postponed earlier this month due to bad weather.
Amazon, founded by Jeff Bezos, is booking slots for dozens of future rocket launches through providers such as SpaceX and Blue Origin to meet regulatory requirements.
Under its operating license, the company must launch at least 1,600 Kuiper satellites by mid-2026.
SpaceX's Starlink network currently operates about 7,000 satellites and dominates the global satellite internet market.
However, analysts believe there is still room for competition, especially with demand from airlines, telecommunications providers and users in remote or underserved areas.
