After a string of weather delays, Amazon finally launched another batch of its Kuiper internet satellites into orbit on Monday, using a rocket from its main competitor, SpaceX. The successful launch marks the fourth mission for Amazon’s ambitious satellite internet project, which now has 102 satellites in orbit.
The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Cape Canaveral, Florida, and about an hour later, SpaceX confirmed that all 24 of Amazon’s satellites were successfully deployed. The mission was originally scheduled for last Thursday but had to be scrubbed four times due to bad weather.
This is the second time Amazon has turned to Elon Musk’s SpaceX for a ride to space. It’s an ironic partnership, as SpaceX’s Starlink is the dominant player in the satellite internet market, with a massive constellation of about 8,000 satellites and 5 million customers worldwide.
Amazon is in a race against time to build its network. The company is under a strict deadline from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to have about 1,600 satellites in orbit by the end of July 2026. To meet this goal, Amazon has booked up to 83 rocket launches, including three with SpaceX.
While Amazon is still in the early stages of building its network, it’s already signing deals with governments and hopes to start offering commercial service to customers later this year.
