**Amazon to Launch Initial Leo Internet Service This Year as Satellite Count Approaches 400**
Amazon is poised to begin its initial internet service via its Low Earth Orbit (Leo) broadband satellite network later this year, following a successful launch that increased the satellite count in orbit to over 390. This announcement was made by Chris Weber, the head of Amazon's Leo project, after the company launched a batch of 29 satellites from Florida on July 2 aboard an Atlas V rocket, marking the 14th launch in its ambitious plan to deploy more than 3,200 satellites for global internet coverage.
The recent launch brings the total number of satellites in orbit to 394, with 398 launched since the project commenced in April 2025, according to spaceflight analyst Jonathan McDowell from Harvard University. Weber noted that while significant progress has been made, including the completion of enough satellite launches to initiate service this year, there remains considerable work ahead, particularly in raising the new satellites to their designated altitudes.
Although specific details regarding the initial service regions have not been disclosed, it is anticipated that service will commence near the Earth's north and south poles and gradually expand toward the equator as additional satellites are launched. This strategic rollout is designed to enhance coverage and capacity as the constellation grows.
Amazon's Leo network is set to compete directly with SpaceX's established Starlink service, which currently operates around 10,000 satellites. Both companies aim to provide internet access to consumers, businesses, and government entities, including airlines. Amazon's Leo terminals will vary in size, ranging from laptop-sized devices to larger, more powerful versions.
The company has invested tens of billions of dollars in rocket bookings to facilitate the launch of its satellites. The Atlas V rocket, operated by United Launch Alliance (ULA), has become a crucial asset for Amazon's satellite deployment efforts, particularly as other planned rockets, including Blue Origin's New Glenn and ULA's Vulcan, face delays.
The New Glenn rocket encountered a significant setback last month when it exploded on the launchpad, resulting in the destruction of the launch tower and other associated hardware. Amazon's CEO, Dave Limp, expressed optimism about resuming New Glenn launches by the end of the year, as engineers work to determine the cause of the explosion, focusing on the rocket's engine section.
Similarly, ULA's Vulcan rocket is grounded due to a solid rocket motor separation issue identified in February. The Vulcan rocket, which is scheduled to conduct at least 40 missions for Amazon, utilizes the same BE-4 engines developed by Blue Origin as the New Glenn rocket. ULA spokeswoman Jessica Rye confirmed that Blue Origin engineers are collaborating transparently with ULA to investigate the situation, ensuring that any potential issues with the BE-4 engines are thoroughly addressed.
Amazon has secured approximately 100 rocket launches, valued at over $82 billion, to support the expansion of its satellite constellation. In addition to ULA, the company is also working with French rocket manufacturer Arianespace's Ariane 6 and SpaceX's Falcon 9, the latter of which has been instrumental in the deployment of Starlink satellites.
As the competition in the satellite internet sector intensifies, Amazon's Leo network is gearing up for a significant entry into the market, with the potential to reshape global internet access and connectivity. With the initial service launch on the horizon, all eyes will be on Amazon as it navigates the challenges ahead in establishing its satellite constellation and delivering reliable internet service to users worldwide.