LOGIN

Amazon Initiates Test Satellite Launch for Its Forthcoming Internet Service, Challenging SpaceX’s Dominance

by Sophia Chen
10 comments
Airport Protests

On Friday, Amazon took its first significant step in establishing its upcoming internet service by launching a pair of test satellites. The deployment was executed via United Launch Alliance’s Atlas V rocket and marks the beginning of Amazon’s ambitious program to bolster global internet access. The company aims to place 3,236 satellites in Earth’s orbit eventually.

Amazon anticipates that its service will become operational by the close of the next year. This puts it in direct competition with SpaceX’s established broadband network, which is spearheaded by Elon Musk.

SpaceX has a considerable advantage in this domain, having commenced its test flights for Starlink satellites back in 2018. By 2019, the company had already put its first set of operational satellites into orbit. To date, SpaceX has successfully launched more than 5,000 Starlink satellites using its proprietary Falcon rockets, with launches conducted in both Florida and California.

Europe’s Eutelsat OneWeb is another contender in the internet satellite market and currently has around 600 satellites in orbit.

Initially, Amazon had committed to utilizing the maiden launch of ULA’s Vulcan rocket for its satellites. However, due to technical setbacks delaying the Vulcan rocket’s availability until the end of this year at the earliest, Amazon opted for the more reliable Atlas V rocket instead.

The Federal Communications Commission, in its licensing agreement, has mandated that at least 50% of Amazon’s planned satellites must be functional by 2026, and the entire constellation should be operational by 2029.

To accomplish its orbital deployment objectives, Amazon has secured 77 launch agreements with United Launch Alliance, Blue Origin—owned by Amazon’s founder Jeff Bezos—and Europe’s Arianespace.


The Health and Science Department at Big Big News is supported by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The Associated Press holds sole responsibility for the content herein.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Amazon Test Satellite Launch

What is the primary objective of Amazon’s test satellite launch?

The primary objective of Amazon’s test satellite launch is to establish its upcoming internet service. This move marks the beginning of Amazon’s ambitious program to improve global internet coverage by eventually placing 3,236 satellites in Earth’s orbit.

Who are Amazon’s main competitors in the satellite internet market?

Amazon’s main competitors in the satellite internet market are SpaceX and Europe’s Eutelsat OneWeb. SpaceX, in particular, has a significant head start, having launched more than 5,000 Starlink satellites since 2018.

What type of rocket did Amazon use for the test satellite launch?

Amazon utilized United Launch Alliance’s Atlas V rocket for its test satellite launch. Originally, the company had planned to use ULA’s Vulcan rocket, but due to technical setbacks, they opted for the more reliable Atlas V.

When does Amazon plan to offer its internet service?

Amazon plans to commence its internet service by the end of next year, putting it in direct competition with existing services like SpaceX’s broadband network.

What are the Federal Communications Commission’s stipulations for Amazon’s satellite program?

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has mandated that at least 50% of Amazon’s planned satellites must be operational by 2026, and the entire constellation should be functional by 2029.

How many launches has Amazon secured to achieve its satellite program goals?

Amazon has secured 77 launch agreements with various providers, including United Launch Alliance, Blue Origin, and Europe’s Arianespace, to meet its orbital deployment objectives.

Who owns Blue Origin, and how is it related to Amazon’s satellite program?

Blue Origin is owned by Amazon’s founder, Jeff Bezos. The company is one of the providers with whom Amazon has secured launch agreements for its satellite program.

Is there any external support for the content of this article?

The Health and Science Department at Big Big News, which published the article, is supported by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. However, the Associated Press holds sole responsibility for the content.

More about Amazon Test Satellite Launch

You may also like

10 comments

SkyWatcher October 6, 2023 - 8:11 pm

Can’t believe they switched rockets last minute. Shows how flexible they gotta be in the space biz.

Reply
RocketMan October 6, 2023 - 10:07 pm

ULA, Blue Origin, Arianespace… Amazon’s not putting all its eggs in one basket, smart.

Reply
SciFan October 6, 2023 - 10:20 pm

3236 satellites, that’s a lot of metal up there. ever think about space debris?

Reply
Netizen101 October 7, 2023 - 5:38 am

So now Bezos wants to own the internet too? what’s next?

Reply
InfoJunkie October 7, 2023 - 7:28 am

Good article but who’s Howard Hughes Medical Institute and why they sponsoring this? Seems random.

Reply
EcoWarrior October 7, 2023 - 8:07 am

More satellites? as if the sky isnt cluttered enough already.

Reply
InvestorLady October 7, 2023 - 12:13 pm

End of next year huh? Gonna keep an eye on Amazon’s stock, might be a game changer.

Reply
TechGuru89 October 7, 2023 - 1:49 pm

Honestly im more interested in the FCC stipulations. Those deadlines seem pretty tight for Amazon.

Reply
JohnDoe42 October 7, 2023 - 3:11 pm

Wow, Amazon’s really stepping up their game. SpaceX better watch out, lol.

Reply
FutureIsNow October 7, 2023 - 3:30 pm

Anyone else think this is the beginning of a new space race but its companies, not countries?

Reply

Leave a Comment

BNB – Big Big News is a news portal that offers the latest news from around the world. BNB – Big Big News focuses on providing readers with the most up-to-date information from the U.S. and abroad, covering a wide range of topics, including politics, sports, entertainment, business, health, and more.

Editors' Picks

Latest News