The competition in the satellite internet sector is heating up, and Amazon is making significant strides to establish its presence. In an unexpected twist, its main rival, SpaceX, is set to assist in this endeavor by launching the next set of satellites for Amazon’s Project Kuiper. This collaboration highlights the dynamic nature of the space industry, where partnerships can emerge even among competitors.
On Wednesday, a batch of 24 Kuiper satellites will be launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket during a mission known as KF-01. The launch is scheduled to take place at 2:18 a.m. ET from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, with a 27-minute window for liftoff. This mission will increase the total number of Kuiper satellites in orbit to 78, marking a significant milestone in Amazon’s ambitious plan to deploy over 3,200 satellites in low Earth orbit. This initiative aims to carve out a substantial share of the satellite internet market, which is currently led by a competitor with approximately 8,000 satellites in operation.
Despite the unusual nature of this partnership, Amazon’s decision to collaborate with SpaceX stems from a three-launch agreement established in December 2023. This deal was made shortly after Amazon faced scrutiny from shareholders regarding its initial launch contracts, which had overlooked SpaceX despite its reputation for reliability. The Falcon 9 rocket has proven to be one of the most dependable options available, making this partnership a strategic move for Amazon.
However, there is a pressing timeline to consider. According to the license granted by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission, Amazon must deploy at least half of its initial satellite constellation by the end of July 2026. With the clock ticking, the company is relying on various launch providers, including United Launch Alliance (ULA), Arianespace, and Blue Origin. Among these, only ULA currently has an operational rocket ready for satellite launches, having successfully launched the first two batches of Kuiper satellites earlier this year.
Blue Origin, another venture founded by Jeff Bezos, is expected to contribute to the Kuiper project with its New Glenn rocket in the future. However, the rocket has only completed one flight to date, which did not achieve booster recovery. The next launch for Blue Origin is anticipated to take place on August 15, adding another layer of complexity to Amazon’s satellite deployment strategy.