Amazon Approved by FCC to Launch 4,500 Internet Satellites

• Amazon must launch 50% of the approved satellites by February 2032 and the remaining half by February 2035, per FCC requirements
• The company has invested $10 billion in Leo and plans to spend $1 billion more in 2026, with over 20 launches scheduled this year and 30+ in 2027
• Amazon is seeking to extend or waive an FCC deadline to deploy 1,600 first-generation satellites by July 2026, citing rocket shortages and claiming it produces satellites faster than they can be launched

Amazon Receives FCC Approval to Expand Satellite Internet Constellation

The Federal Communications Commission approved Amazon's request to deploy 4,500 additional low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites on Tuesday, expanding the company's planned constellation to approximately 7,700 satellites total. This expansion positions Amazon's Project Kuiper (referred to as "Leo" in the article) to compete directly with SpaceX's Starlink.

Key Figures:

• 4,500 new satellites approved
• 7,700 total planned constellation size
• 150+ satellites already deployed
• $10 billion invested to date, with $1 billion more planned for 2026
• 20+ launches scheduled in 2026, 30+ in 2027

Deployment Requirements:

The FCC mandated Amazon launch 50% of approved satellites by February 10, 2032, and the remaining half by February 10, 2035. The second-generation satellites will operate at altitudes up to 400 miles, supporting additional frequency bands and expanded geographic coverage.

Challenges:

Amazon faces a separate July 2026 deadline to deploy 1,600 first-generation satellites and has requested an extension to July 2028, citing rocket shortages. The company claims it's "producing satellites considerably faster than others can launch them."

Market Context:

Service launch is targeted for later this year. Amazon has contracted 17 missions with Arianespace, with the next launch scheduled for Thursday carrying 32 satellites. The company competes against SpaceX's Starlink, which dominates with over 9,000 satellites in orbit and approximately 9 million customers.

Implication:

This approval intensifies competition in the satellite internet market, though Amazon remains significantly behind SpaceX's established infrastructure and customer base.