Amazon launched its first 27 Kuiper satellites into space from Florida on Monday. This marks the beginning of its $10 billion broadband internet project, aimed at competing with SpaceX's Starlink.
The satellites were launched aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The mission aims to provide broadband internet globally, targeting consumers, businesses, and governments.
Amazon faces a mid-2026 deadline to deploy half of its planned 3,236 satellites. The company anticipates beginning service to customers later this year, with ULA potentially launching five more Kuiper missions in 2024.
Jeff Bezos expressed confidence in Kuiper's ability to compete with Starlink, citing insatiable demand for internet. Amazon plans to produce millions of consumer terminals, including a vinyl record-sized antenna, for under $400 each.