In a key regulatory win, Amazon has received approval from the Federal Communications Commission to deploy an additional 4,500 low Earth orbit satellites, strengthening its push into the satellite internet market.
With this clearance, Amazon’s total planned satellite constellation will rise to around 7,700 satellites. The move marks a major step in the company’s effort to compete with SpaceX in the rapidly expanding satellite broadband space.
Amazon plans to use the expanded constellation to deliver global coverage, including service in polar regions, while also supporting more frequency bands. The company has already launched over 150 satellites since April and expects to begin offering satellite internet services through Amazon Leo later this year. Rajeev Badyal, vice president of technology for Amazon Leo, said the second generation of satellites will provide higher capacity and wider coverage.
The upgraded satellites will support high-speed services such as satellite television and 5G using the Ku-band and V-band. These satellites will be deployed at altitudes of up to 644 km. Under FCC conditions, Amazon must launch 50% of the approved satellites by February 10, 2032, and complete deployment by February 10, 2035.
At the same time, Amazon has asked the FCC for an extension on the deadline to deploy 1,600 first-generation satellites. The company cited limited rocket availability and other delays outside its control. Amazon has requested that the July 2026 deadline be extended to July 2028 or waived entirely. The FCC has not yet made a decision on this request.
Amazon has already invested $10 billion in its satellite internet program and plans to invest an additional $1 billion in the Leo constellation this year. The company is preparing to challenge SpaceX’s Starlink, which currently has more than 9,000 satellites in orbit and around 9,000,000 customers worldwide.
As part of its next mission, an Arianespace rocket is scheduled to launch 32 additional Amazon Leo satellites this Thursday.
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