The first 27 satellites in Amazon’s mission to build a space-based internet network have successfully reached orbit, marking a major step towards competing with Elon Musk’s popular Starlink service. A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket took off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on Monday, deploying the satellites into Earth’s orbit. This is just the beginning of Amazon’s plan to launch a total of 3,226 Kuiper satellites into the network.

Despite Amazon’s ambitious goals, Musk’s Starlink network remains far ahead, boasting over 8,000 satellites launched through 250 SpaceX missions and serving more than 5 million users. Amazon’s founder, Jeff Bezos, believes there is a place for multiple successful players in the satellite internet industry, emphasizing their focus on connecting remote and underserved communities globally.

Amazon aims to complete the first half of the Kuiper network by mid-2026 as required by the Federal Communications Commission. The CEO of ULA, Tory Bruno, mentioned the possibility of up to five more Kuiper launches this year. However, the Kuiper project is reportedly facing production challenges that could slow down progress towards achieving its full satellite constellation.