Amazon launches second batch of Kuiper satellites, increasing competition with Musk's Starlink

Amazon has successfully launched its second batch of Kuiper satellites into low Earth orbit, expanding its plans to build a large satellite network and intensifying competition with SpaceX Starlink.

A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket carrying 27 Kuiper satellites lifted off from the U.S. Space Force base in Florida. The launch was broadcast live.

The launch was postponed several times — first due to adverse weather, and then due to technical problems with the booster.

Amazon's Project Kuiper, unveiled six years ago, aims to deploy a constellation of satellites to deliver internet from low Earth orbit, aiming to become a major competitor to Elon Musk's Starlink, which currently dominates the space and operates a fleet of more than 8,000 satellites.

In April of this year, Amazon successfully launched the first 27 Kuiper satellites into orbit.

There are currently 54 Kuiper satellites orbiting Earth, and Amazon plans to deploy a total of 3,236 satellites. The company is required by the Federal Communications Commission to deploy half of that number (1,618 satellites) by July 2026.

To implement these plans, Amazon has signed contracts for more than 80 launches with several operators, including SpaceX.