Amazon has officially entered the satellite internet race with the launch of 27 satellites into space. These satellites are part of Project Kuiper, Amazon’s global plan to provide fast and affordable internet service from space.

The launch took place at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida using the United Launch Alliance's Atlas V rocket. The 27 satellites will orbit at about 630 kilometres above Earth, forming the beginning of a massive network that Amazon hopes will rival SpaceX’s Starlink.

What is Project Kuiper and why is it important?

Project Kuiper is Amazon’s ambitious plan to launch over 3,200 satellites into space. The goal is to create a network that can offer broadband internet to even the most remote places on Earth.

This is Amazon's second try after launching two test satellites in 2023. According to project vice president Rajeev Badyal, the latest batch includes major upgrades, including a mirror-like coating that reduces light reflection to help astronomers. Stargazers and scientists have raised concerns in recent years, saying these fast-growing satellite constellations interfere with sky observations.

Badyal said, "There are some things you can only learn in flight"—meaning, while testing on Earth helps, real results come only after launching into space.

How does Amazon's plan compare with SpaceX?

SpaceX, owned by Elon Musk, is currently the leader in satellite internet. Since 2019, over 8,000 Starlink satellites have been launched, with more than 7,000 still active in space at an altitude of about 550 kilometres. SpaceX also completed its 250th Starlink launch just a day before Amazon’s Kuiper liftoff.

The European OneWeb has also launched hundreds of satellites, although in a higher orbit compared to Starlink and Kuiper.

Amazon is using rockets from both United Launch Alliance and Blue Origin—the space company founded by Amazon’s own Jeff Bezos—to expand Project Kuiper in the coming years.

Badyal added, "No matter how the mission unfolds, this is just the start of our journey."

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