Amazon launched 32 Project Kuiper low-Earth-orbit (LEO) satellites aboard a European Ariane 6 rocket from French Guiana. This mission increases Amazon’s total satellite count to more than 200. It represents the first of 18 scheduled launches under Amazon’s contract with Arianespace.
The project aims to build a global internet network to compete directly with Elon Musk’s Starlink. This expansion is a central component of Amazon’s projected $200 billion capital expenditure plan for 2026. Spending is primarily focused on artificial intelligence and infrastructure projects.
While high capital requirements recently triggered investor concern and a stock sell-off, this successful deployment signals tangible progress in a major long-term growth initiative.