Amazon, previously known as Project Kuiper, is accelerating its $10 billion low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation, now called Amazon Leo, to deliver high-speed internet to unserved and underserved zones. After successful test launches in 2025, Amazon is deploying satellites to compete with SpaceX’s Starlink, with over 100 machines scheduled in the initial network.
Key Project Kuiper / Amazon Leo Updates
- Deployment progress: After successful tests, Amazon has started deploying production satellites to establish a planned constellation of 32,236 satellites.
- Competition: the service aims to compete with SpaceX’s Starlink by providing satellite broadband to homes, businesses, and government entities.
- Launch partners column: Amazon has secured more than 80 launches with partners such as ULA, ArianeSpace, and Blue Origin, including holding over 20 launches scheduled for 2026.
- Deadlines and future: Amazon is working to meet the FCC’s July 2026 deadline to launch at least 1,618 satellites. Prospective extensions are under discussion due to capacity constraints at launch.
- Service launch: Although initially expected in 2024, customer service for the network will begin after the first satellite deployments, with the goal of expanding worldwide connectivity.
Amazon Leo is considered a significant long-term investment to improve internet connectivity through plants, integrating with Amazon Web Services (AWS) for advanced connectivity solutions.
Seven years ago, Amazon began developing its advanced satellite communications network, now known as Amazon Leo.
Our vision was clear: billions lack high-speed internet, and many organizations have no reliable connectivity. By deploying satellites in low Earth orbit, we aim to deliver fast, reliable internet to those beyond the reach of current networks.
We started with a small engineering team and a code name, Project Kuiper, inspired by the Kuiper Belt.
The Project Kuiper name remained as we secured initial licenses, major launch contracts, and deployed our first production satellites.
Today, we are launching our permanent brand for the Amazon Leo program. This name references the low Earth orbit satellite constellation powering our network and marks an exciting new chapter for our initiative.
Our long-term mission remains unchanged, and we are making strong progress. We now operate one of the world’s largest satellite production lines and have developed advanced customer terminals, including the first commercial phased-array antenna supporting gigabit speeds, with over 150 satellites in orbit. Customers and partners such as JetBlue, L3Harris, DirecTV, Latin America Sky, Brazil, and NBN Co., Australia’s national broadband network operator, are already preparing to deploy the service.
We are continuing to expand our initial satellite constellation and will begin service rollout as we increase network coverage and capacity.
To learn more or sign up for updates, please visit Amazon Leo.
Source: Project Kuiper is now Amazon Leo
