SpaceX preps next-gen Starlink as Amazon’s competitor stalls
SpaceX is preparing to launch its next-generation Starlink V3 satellites using the Starship rocket. Meanwhile, Amazon's competing satellite internet project, Project Kuiper, faces significant delays due to launch partner failures.
Why it matters
The competition between SpaceX and Amazon is critical for the future of global satellite internet infrastructure and the commercial space industry.
SpaceX is gearing up for a monumental flight today that’s sure to be closely watched by Amazon. If successful, SpaceX will deploy its first Starlink V3 satellites, which tout meaningful upgrades to the ever-expanding Starlink constellation. The 26 satellites will be riding atop Starship, which SpaceX will also attempt to deploy into Earth orbit for the first time. The mission arrives amid Amazon’s ongoing setbacks with launch partners that are keeping its own Leo satellites grounded, and falling further behind its plan to offer a meaningful rival to Elon Musk’s space internet service.
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