Amazon deployed 29 satellites aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket around 12:30 a.m. ET on Thursday, bringing its total Leo constellation to more than 390 satellites—enough to support initial service launch later this year. Chris Weber, vice president of business and product for Amazon Leo, confirmed the milestone enables continuous coverage across initial latitudes. The deployment advances Amazon's effort to compete with SpaceX's Starlink in the low Earth orbit satellite internet market, where Amazon began offering an enterprise preview in November but has not yet launched consumer or government services.
Amazon Reaches 390+ Satellite Milestone for Leo Service Launch
The Thursday launch carried 29 satellites into orbit, achieving the minimum constellation required for continuous service across initial latitudes. Amazon's initial commercial service will be limited to users in certain geographies, with future missions planned to add coverage and capacity according to Weber's statement.
Amazon began offering an enterprise preview of Leo for select businesses in November. The company has not yet launched service for consumers and government customers. Amazon announced the creation of Project Kuiper in 2019 and later changed the name to Leo.
SpaceX Starlink Operates 10,000 Satellites Since 2015 Launch
SpaceX launched Starlink in 2015, giving it a four-year head start on Amazon. The company has amassed a constellation of around 10,000 satellites and more than 10 million subscribers. Amazon aims to build a constellation of roughly 7,700 satellites.
Rocket Capacity Shortage and Blue Origin Setback Delayed Deployment
Amazon's satellite deployment faced delays due to a shortage of rocket capacity. In its January request for an extension on regulatory deployment deadlines, the company cited a "shortage in the near-term availability" of rockets beyond its control.
Amazon signed a deal in 2022 to reserve rocket launches with ULA, Arianespace, and Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin, before purchasing rides with SpaceX. Many of those providers experienced delays with their launch vehicles.
In May, one of Blue Origin's New Glenn rockets exploded on the launchpad during a hot-fire test, days before it was scheduled to carry a batch of Amazon satellites. The company is currently rebuilding the pad and working to determine what caused the anomaly. Bezos and Blue Origin CEO Dave Limp stated the company is determined to return New Glenn to flight later this year.
ULA Vulcan Rocket Scheduled for Next Leo Mission
Amazon announced Thursday its next Leo mission will use ULA's Vulcan heavy-lift rocket, which will carry larger Leo payloads and help increase deployment rate. Melissa Wuerl, Leo's director of launch systems, stated the company has hundreds of flight-ready satellites at Cape Canaveral and a new dedicated vertical integration facility ready to support Leo Vulcan 1 and subsequent missions.
FAQ
How many satellites does Amazon Leo have in orbit?
Amazon has more than 390 satellites in orbit following the Thursday launch of 29 satellites aboard a ULA Atlas V rocket around 12:30 a.m. ET.
When will Amazon launch Leo service for consumers?
Amazon plans to launch initial Leo service later this year for users in certain geographies. The company began offering an enterprise preview in November but has not yet launched consumer or government services.
What caused delays in Amazon's satellite deployment?
Amazon cited a shortage in near-term rocket availability in its January regulatory filing. Additionally, Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket exploded during a May hot-fire test, forcing pad reconstruction and delaying scheduled satellite launches.
