Amazon, led by Jeff Bezos, is gearing up to launch its first satellites aimed at providing high-speed internet access from space, directly challenging Elon Musk’s Starlink.
Launch Details
- The launch will use a Atlas V rocket by the United Launch Alliance (ULA), involving Boeing and Lockheed Martin.
- The liftoff is scheduled for April 9, 2024, at noon local time (16:00 GMT) from Cape Canaveral, Florida.
Satellite Constellation
This initial launch will send 27 satellites into low Earth orbit, marking the beginning of a constellation that could reach up to 3,200 devices.
Service Timeline
Amazon plans to activate this service in 2025, aiming to compete head-on with Musk’s Starlink.
Starlink’s Current Status
As of now, Starlink boasts over 6,750 satellites in orbit, making it the global market leader in this rapidly growing sector. Other significant players include Eutelsat, China’s GuoWang, and Canada’s Telesat.
