Amazon’s Internet Satellite, Project Kuiper, Takes Off, But Long Road Ahead in Race With Starlink

Amazon has officially begun large-scale satellite deployments for its long-delayed broadband internet constellation, Project Kuiper, setting the stage for a high-stakes race with SpaceX’s Starlink.

With the April 28, 2025 launch of its first batch of 27 operational satellites aboard a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket, Amazon has kicked off an ambitious plan to deploy over 3,200 satellites in low Earth orbit. Though Amazon confirmed all 27 satellites reached space successfully and responded to ground commands, the project is far from the finish line, and Starlink remains years ahead in both technology rollouts and market presence.

The Kuiper mission, known as KA-01, marks the official start of Amazon’s deployment campaign. This mission followed the earlier October 2023 test of two prototypes, but the 2025 launch was the first using final production models equipped with improved antennas, propulsion systems, and onboard processing. The launch had faced delays due to weather, including a scrub on April 9, but eventually proceeded from Cape Canaveral. Following separation, Kuiper’s operations center in Redmond, Washington, took over satellite control.

Amazon’s license with the U.S. Federal Communications Commission mandates that it must launch half of its 3,236 satellites, or about 1,618 by July 2026, and the full constellation by July 2029. The company is under pressure to accelerate manufacturing and launch activities if it is to meet that timeline. Analysts believe Amazon may request an extension, considering that it missed its initial schedule by nearly a year.

To meet these obligations, Amazon has booked over 80 launches from multiple providers, including ULA, Arianespace, and Blue Origin. ULA’s CEO has said the company could conduct up to five more Kuiper launches this year, though warned that completing all contracted Atlas V launches by year-end may not be feasible. ULA’s next-generation Vulcan Centaur rocket is also being prepared to take on Kuiper missions, while Ariane 6 and Blue Origin’s New Glenn, both contracted for Kuiper — are facing their own delays and technical hurdles.

But even as Amazon begins deployment, its main rival SpaceX has already established dominance. Starlink, which began launching satellites in 2019, now has over 8,000 satellites launched, with more than 7,000 currently active in orbit. Starlink reached an estimated 4 to 5 million subscribers by the end of 2024 and now provides internet in over 100 countries. Project Kuiper, in contrast, has no customers yet. Amazon says it will begin service later in 2025 once a critical mass of satellites is operational.

Though both companies aim to offer global broadband through low-Earth orbit satellites, their strategies and infrastructure differ. Kuiper satellites are designed with Ka- and V-band communications payloads, onboard processing, and optical inter-satellite links for fast, networked data transfer. Amazon also uses special coatings to reduce satellite brightness and minimize their impact on astronomy. Its approach emphasizes connecting underserved and unconnected regions, especially rural communities, at affordable rates.

Starlink has targeted similar markets but has also found traction in the enterprise, maritime, and defense sectors. SpaceX’s latest satellite variants feature laser interlinks and advanced electric propulsion, enabling efficient in-space maneuvering. It has already been adopted by the U.S. military and deployed in conflict zones like Ukraine.

Meanwhile, Amazon has indicated that Kuiper service may be bundled through Amazon Web Services and partnerships with other telecom firms, such as Hughes and Eutelsat, particularly in Latin America.

Still, Project Kuiper is grappling with steep logistical and production challenges. Amazon’s new satellite factory in Kirkland, Washington, meant to mass-produce hundreds of units per year, has not yet reached full capacity. By the end of 2024, fewer than 40 satellites had been completed, and the plant was still short of its goal to hire 200 specialized technicians. Insiders report that without scaling up, the company may not be able to meet its first FCC milestone in 2026.

Amazon also faces launch constraints. While the Atlas V rocket can carry heavy payloads, it is in limited supply, and the newer Vulcan and New Glenn vehicles are not yet fully operational. ULA, which manages the bulk of Kuiper’s near-term launch schedule, is balancing Kuiper missions with U.S. national security launch commitments. Launchpad availability in Florida is another bottleneck, given that SpaceX dominates the use of Cape Canaveral facilities for its Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy missions.

Amazon CEO Andy Jassy described the April 2025 launch as the culmination of years of work and innovation. “This is just the beginning,” said Rajeev Badyal, Vice President of Kuiper Systems, echoing the sentiment that the path to full deployment will be a long one. The company has stated that initial service can begin with as few as 578 satellites, gradually building global coverage.

Despite the early momentum, Kuiper’s late start and Starlink’s entrenched market lead mean Amazon must move quickly. Starlink is already eyeing upgrades to its next-generation constellation, while continuously iterating on user terminals and pricing. Project Kuiper, meanwhile, is still working to establish basic operations.

The broader satellite broadband market is heating up. OneWeb, a British-Indian venture, is rebuilding after bankruptcy with a constellation of around 648 satellites, already deployed and focused on commercial and government markets. Other competitors, including Telesat and Chinese ventures, are also preparing constellations — though none yet match the scale or reach of Starlink.

Amazon says Kuiper’s mission is to close the digital divide and expand internet access to “tens of millions” worldwide. But to do so, it must first navigate production delays, launch logjams, and an unforgiving timetable.