Amazon Leo reaches 396 satellites in orbit, targets limited service start before year's end
SEATTLE, Aug. 2. Amazon's Leo satellite internet network crossed 396 deployed satellites after a July 2 launch carrying 29 more vehicles into low Earth orbit, putting the company within range of an initial service rollout before year's end. That mission, the 14th in Leo's history, also closed out Amazon's Atlas V campaign with United Launch Alliance, which delivered 224 Leo satellites across eight flights at a reported 100% success rate. Starlink, which began building its network in 2019 and now sells satellite internet in more than 150 countries, territories and markets, according to its availability map, holds a substantial lead in satellites, coverage and paying customers.
Key takeaways
- Amazon's Leo satellite internet network reached 396 deployed satellites after a July 2 launch that added 29 vehicles, positioning it for an initial service rollout before the end of the year.
- The July 2 mission was Leo's 14th and closed out Amazon's Atlas V campaign with United Launch Alliance, which delivered 224 Leo satellites across eight flights at a reported 100% success rate.
- Amazon has signed airline deals with JetBlue, which will upgrade its Fly-Fi service starting in 2027, and Delta, which will install the service on 500 planes beginning in 2028.
- Amazon announced plans to acquire Globalstar as part of a direct-to-device strategy, with its next-generation system set to begin deploying in 2028.
- Starlink, which started in 2019 and now sells in more than 150 countries, territories and markets, holds a substantial lead in satellites, coverage and paying customers.
SEATTLE, Aug. 2. Amazon's Leo satellite internet network crossed 396 deployed satellites after a July 2 launch carrying 29 more vehicles into low Earth orbit, putting the company within range of an initial service rollout before year's end. That mission, the 14th in Leo's history, also closed out Amazon's Atlas V campaign with United Launch Alliance, which delivered 224 Leo satellites across eight flights at a reported 100% success rate. Starlink, which began building its network in 2019 and now sells satellite internet in more than 150 countries, territories and markets, according to its availability map, holds a substantial lead in satellites, coverage and paying customers.
Atlas V closes, Vulcan takes over
Amazon plans to shift future United Launch Alliance missions to the Vulcan rocket, which the company says can carry larger Leo payloads. Melissa Wuerl, Amazon Leo's director of launch systems, said the company has hundreds of flight-ready satellites waiting at Cape Canaveral. That inventory positions Amazon to move faster once Vulcan flights begin. The 29 satellites from the July 2 mission still need to reach their assigned orbital positions before they can support customers.
Airline contracts provide Leo's first commercial test
Amazon has signed deals with JetBlue and Delta ahead of any residential service launch. JetBlue plans to use Amazon's satellite technology to upgrade its Fly-Fi service starting in 2027. Delta has committed to rolling Amazon Leo out across hundreds of aircraft beginning in 2028, with an initial installation on 500 planes. Amazon's commercial aviation antenna is rated for speeds up to 1 Gbps down and 400 Mbps up on a single aircraft.
Globalstar acquisition extends the direct-to-device push
Amazon announced plans to acquire Globalstar, which already supports satellite services used by Apple, as part of a strategy to reach phones and cellular devices directly. The company says its next-generation direct-to-device system will begin deploying in 2028. Amazon has framed the service as backup coverage for dead zones and emergencies, not a replacement for cellular carriers. Residential coverage maps and pricing have not been released.
Satellite market scale
Grand View Research estimates the global satellite internet market at $13.3 billion in 2026, growing to $35.7 billion by 2033. Amazon Leo, formerly known as Project Kuiper, is targeting homes, businesses and aviation customers in areas without reliable wired broadband. Delta's commitment to install the service on 500 planes by 2028 is the earliest fixed deadline on Amazon's commercial schedule.