On April 28, 2025, Amazon took a major leap into the satellite internet race by successfully launching the first 27 satellites of its Project Kuiper constellation aboard a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida. This launch marks the beginning of a massive effort to deploy more than 3,200 low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites aimed at delivering high-speed, low-latency broadband internet across the globe, especially targeting underserved and remote regions where traditional infrastructure is lacking.
Project Kuiper represents Amazon’s $10 billion bet to compete directly with SpaceX’s Starlink, which currently dominates the market with over 7,000 operational satellites and millions of users worldwide. While Starlink satellites orbit at about 550 kilometers altitude, Kuiper satellites will operate slightly closer to Earth at around 630 kilometers, offering potential advantages in latency and coverage.
The newly launched satellites will initially orbit at approximately 450 kilometers before ascending to their operational altitude over the coming weeks. Amazon’s mission control in Redmond, Washington, is expected to confirm contact with all satellites shortly, with plans to begin customer service later this year. This launch follows successful prototype missions in 2023 that validated the technology and design improvements, including enhanced phased array antennas, solar arrays, propulsion, and a unique reflective coating to reduce brightness and minimize interference with astronomical observations.
Amazon has secured over 80 launches with multiple providers, including ULA’s Atlas V and upcoming Vulcan Centaur rockets, Blue Origin’s New Glenn, Arianespace’s Ariane 6, and even SpaceX, reflecting the scale and urgency of the deployment schedule.
ULA CEO Tory Bruno indicated that up to five more Kuiper launches could occur in 2025 alone. Despite the promising start, analysts caution that Amazon faces an uphill battle to catch up with Starlink’s head start and market presence. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requires Amazon to deploy at least half of its planned constellation – 1,618 satellites – by mid-2026 to maintain its license, a challenging deadline given the delayed launch schedule.
Financial estimates suggest the initial Kuiper system could cost up to $17 billion, with ongoing annual expenses of $1 to $2 billion.
In a rapidly evolving space internet landscape, Amazon’s Project Kuiper launch signals intensified competition and innovation aimed at bridging the global digital divide. As the constellation grows, consumers worldwide may soon benefit from more choices in satellite broadband, especially in regions long neglected by traditional internet providers.