Amazon, founded by billionaire Jeff Bezos, has officially entered the satellite internet race with the launch of its first 27 satellites from its Project Kuiper constellation, aiming to compete with Elon Musk’s established Starlink network.
The satellites were carried into orbit by an Atlas V rocket launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The rocket was provided by United Launch Alliance (ULA), a joint venture between Boeing and Lockheed Martin. This marks a significant step following ULA’s successful launch of two prototype Kuiper satellites in late 2023, according to Agencies.
Project Kuiper envisions a full constellation of over 3,200 low-Earth orbit satellites designed to deliver high-speed internet to underserved and remote regions around the world, including areas affected by conflict and natural disasters.
With Starlink currently leading the global market with over 6,750 satellites in orbit, Amazon’s ambitious entry into the space-based internet sector signals the intensifying competition in a rapidly growing industry.
