Amazon Begins Building Its Satellite Network
Amazon has officially launched its space-based internet project, marking a major step in its ambitious plans. On April 9, an Atlas V rocket will carry 27 Kuiper satellites into orbit from Cape Canaveral. This launch will kick off the KA-01 mission, introducing Amazon’s final satellite design and deploying multiple satellites at once.
Amazon has committed $10 billion to Project Kuiper, aiming to create a global broadband network. The company has planned over 3,200 satellites, with the FCC requiring half of them in orbit by mid-2026. The stakes remain high as Amazon pushes forward. Investors should pay close attention because this project is not just an experiment. Amazon is actively building a new business line that could become as crucial as its other major ventures.
Project Kuiper Challenges Starlink
Amazon is directly competing with Starlink, aiming to provide fast, low-latency internet to underserved communities worldwide. The company has designed its smallest internet terminal to be only seven inches wide and weigh just one pound. This device can deliver speeds of up to 100Mbps, positioning itself as a strong competitor to Starlink’s Mini. Additionally, Amazon’s larger terminals will offer speeds up to 1Gbps for homes and businesses. All these terminals will cost under $400, making them affordable for mass adoption.
Amazon also has an advantage in its ability to subsidize costs, which could help attract more customers. The company plans to launch commercial services later this year. To accelerate deployment, Amazon has secured launch contracts with Arianespace, Blue Origin, and even SpaceX, ensuring rapid progress.
Amazon’s success with Project Kuiper could make it one of the most critical infrastructure projects of the decade. The company envisions Kuiper as an extension of its powerful AWS business but in space. With launch contracts, global reach, and demand from remote regions, Amazon has positioned itself as a strong player. Starlink currently leads, but Amazon does not need to win immediately. It only needs to keep building, just as it always has. With the first mission just days away, Project Kuiper could drive a new wave of growth that investors have yet to fully consider.