The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) granted Amazon approval on February 10, 2026, to launch and operate a second-generation satellite constellation. This Project Kuiper initiative expansion includes 4,504 additional satellites in low-Earth orbit. The new fleet aims to increase coverage and connection speeds for Amazon's satellite internet service.
The FCC decision permits these second-generation satellites to utilize expanded radio frequencies, including the V-band. This regulatory milestone aligns Amazon’s capabilities with those previously granted to SpaceX’s Starlink.
The expansion supports Amazon's ongoing development of a global broadband network. This project represents a core component of the company’s massive planned capital expenditures for 2026. Amazon is prioritizing these investments to capture emerging opportunities in the low-Earth orbit satellite sector.