Amazon reaches key satellite milestone to launch Leo internet service

Amazon has reached a critical milestone for its satellite internet network, Leo, announcing it has enough spacecraft in orbit to begin initial service later this year. The company now has 396 operational satellites, following the launch of 29 more on a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket early on July 2 Source: thenextweb.

Coverage and competition

Initial service will be limited to a narrow band at mid-latitudes, gradually expanding toward the equator as more satellites are launched Source: cna. The constellation of roughly 400 satellites pales in comparison to SpaceX's Starlink, which has around 10,000 satellites and more than 10 million subscribers Source: cnbc. Amazon aims to build a first-generation network of 3,232 satellites by 2029.

Rocket challenges

Two of Amazon's key rockets are grounded: Blue Origin's New Glenn, which exploded on its launchpad in May, and ULA's Vulcan, stalled since February over a solid rocket motor issue Source: engadget. Amazon has booked roughly 100 launches worth some $82 billion across multiple providers, including SpaceX's Falcon 9 Source: thenextweb.

Broader ambitions

Beyond broadband, Amazon is targeting the direct-to-device market through its $11.6 billion acquisition of Globalstar, with an agreement to power Apple's iPhone satellite features from 2028 Source: thenextweb.