Amazon builds 1,000th satellite and plans to launch Leo service by year-end
Amazon has built the 1,000th satellite for its Amazon Leo constellation and is preparing to begin commercial satellite-internet service. The company said the service is weeks away, while Vulcan rockets are being prepared to launch more satellites this year.
A forecast as of publication. An announcement and on-sale availability require separate confirmation.
Amazon has built the 1,000th satellite for Amazon Leo, its planned low-Earth-orbit broadband constellation. Project executives told Ars that the company is nearing the start of commercial service.
The first commercial service is expected within weeks, while Amazon Leo satellites are set to fly on Vulcan’s upcoming return-to-flight mission.
Satellite production in Kirkland
The satellites are produced at Amazon’s factory in Kirkland, Washington. The company says it can now build several spacecraft each day and has become the world’s second-largest satellite manufacturer, behind SpaceX.
A second Vulcan rocket standing beside the first is also being prepared to launch additional Amazon Leo satellites by the end of the year.
Amazon enters Starlink’s market
Amazon has spent nearly a decade developing the constellation and is entering a market dominated by SpaceX’s Starlink for the past five years. Satellite broadband is being watched by consumers as well as airlines, shipping companies and governments.
The project is led by Rajeev Badyal, who managed Starlink during its early years before Elon Musk fired him. OneWeb has provided limited services, the article said, leaving Amazon positioned as SpaceX’s main potential competitor for global high-speed internet access.
What we know
- Amazon has built the 1,000th satellite for its Amazon Leo project.
- The company’s commercial satellite-internet service is expected within weeks.
- Amazon Leo satellites will launch on Vulcan rockets, including the vehicle’s upcoming return-to-flight mission.
- Amazon’s Kirkland factory can produce several satellites each day.
- Amazon is positioning Leo to compete with SpaceX’s Starlink.
Trust: Single source
- The story relies on one publisher. A second independent confirmation has not been established from the cited sources.
- Sources: Ars Technica.
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