Goodbye to Starlink – Amazon launches more Project Kuiper satellites and moves forward with its plan to conquer the Internet from space

Amazon’s Project Kuiper lifted off at Cape Canaveral, Florida, on 6 October 2023, carrying the first two of a planned 3,236 satellites into space. Photograph: Terry Renna/AP

By Laura M.,
Published by Union Rayo, 28 June 2025

Amazon has its own satellite project. Beyond dominating the internet, it now wants to catch up with SpaceX and control space as well. A major feat, yes. It just doubled its Project Kuiper satellite constellation with the successful launch of 27 more devices into space, intensifying its direct competition with Starlink. The space race is getting interesting!

It’s called Atlas V and it took off from Florida early Monday, placing the new satellites into low Earth orbit, bringing the current Kuiper total to 54 units!! Although that number is still small compared to Starlink’s 7,500+ satellites, it marks a key step for the e-commerce giant in its ambition to offer global connectivity.

Mission: conquer space

The mission, named KA-02, marks a crucial moment in the Kuiper network deployment. It went off without a hitch and represents a significant step forward in a project that has been in development for over two years. This puts Amazon right in the satellite internet market and up against Elon Musk.

A successful launch

The launch took place from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at 6:54 a.m. (local time) and was carried out by United Launch Alliance (ULA), Amazon’s key partner for this phase of the project. The company confirmed that once the launch phase was completed, control transferred to its operations centre in Redmond, Washington, where the startup of the new satellites is being monitored.

Although this was Kuiper’s second mission after the initial one in April (which also placed 27 satellites in orbit), it represents a turning point. Amazon plans to deploy up to 3,263 satellites in the coming years, and they’ve already taken the first step to do so, mission accomplished!!!!

Amazon vs Starlink: David vs Goliath

While Amazon has opted for a more gradual rollout, Starlink has surged ahead with a breakneck pace of launches. In just two years, the gap has widened considerably: 54 Kuiper satellites versus more than 7,500 from Starlink. Wow.

But Bezos isn’t giving up. With plans for up to 76 launch missions in the coming years, Amazon is confident it can catch up. For now, however, it has chosen to keep working with ULA instead of using rockets from its own company, Blue Origin, which has also slowed things down.

What’s at stake?

Beyond the corporate pride involved in launching over a thousand satellites into the stratosphere, this competition is about who will control the next big global infrastructure (drum roll): the space-based internet network! From remote regions to conflict zones, satellite connectivity promises to bring the internet where ground infrastructure can’t. And whoever controls that network will control part of the planet’s digital future. Now you get it, right?

What’s next for Project Kuiper?

Amazon hasn’t shared specific dates for its next launch, but some believe ground testing with the first users will begin in the coming months.

This move also opens new opportunities for its ecosystem of products: Alexa, AWS, and Prime Video. Amazon could integrate exclusive satellite-based services, further solidifying its presence in both the tech and entertainment sectors.

Global internet

Even though Project Kuiper is still in its infancy compared to Starlink’s orbital empire, progress is becoming visible! Amazon has shown that it’s serious and that, even if late to the game, it’s ready to play hard. So Musk, don’t get too comfortable, this race for global connectivity is heating up, and there’s a new player on the field: Bezos.

SpaceX vs. Blue Origin

SpaceXBlue Origin
FounderElon MuskJeff Bezos
Founded20022000
MissionColonize Mars, reduce space travel costsEnable millions to live and work in space
Launch FrequencyHigh (over 90 launches in 2023)Low (only a few launches per year)
Human SpaceflightRegular missions via Crew Dragon (NASA + private)Suborbital tourist flights with New Shepard
Orbital CapabilityYes (Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy, Starship)Not yet (New Glenn under development)
Moon MissionsNASA’s Artemis program: Starship as Human Landing SystemLunar lander selected but not yet launched
Satellites NetworkStarlink (internet constellation, >5,000 satellites)Project Kuiper (in early deployment phase)
NASA ContractsMultiple contracts (Commercial Crew, Artemis, etc.)Selected for lunar cargo missions and Project Kuiper
Innovation FocusFast iteration, rapid testing, heavy launch payloadsGradual development, emphasis on safety and reusability
Public EngagementVery active, livestreams, social media presenceLess public-facing, quieter marketing strategy

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