Amazon Kicks Off 3,000+ Satellite Launch Plan After Skipping SpaceX

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After feuding with SpaceX for years in multiple FCC proceedings, Amazon finally cut the bow on its low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite internet constellation today by launching two Kuiper test satellites. The launch took place at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station earlier today, and it marks the first of a constellation that will be made up of more than three thousand satellites. These satellites will orbit the Earth in obits similar to SpaceX's satellite internet constellation - the largest of its kind history. The Kuiper and Starlink satellite internet services will both work by providing users with an easily carriable satellite dish to allow internet access in areas that are underserved by traditional broadband internet providers.

Amazon's decision to launch the Kuiper satellites created a bit of controversy in the industry as it chose a wide range of launch services providers for its satellite constellation - except SpaceX. When it comes to launching LEO satellites, SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket is the ultimate rocket due to its rapid cadence, easy availability and low costs.

Building a new LEO constellation requires a hefty investment in placing payloads in orbit before a sufficiently large customer base can be established to generate revenue and cover operating and production costs. Amazon plans to invest $10 billion in Kuiper as part of a package that includes launch contracts, terminal production and other investments.

Within the launch contract allocations for the Kuiper program, United Launch Alliance (ULA) has bagged most of the launches. Before he left the company, Jeff Bezos