Amazon took a major step in its quest to deliver broadband from space on Thursday, launching 32 satellites aboard an Ariane 6 rocket. The constellation, named Amazon Leo, is designed to compete directly with Elon Musk's Starlink network.
The rocket released all 32 satellites into orbit within two hours of liftoff. However, the scale gap remains vast: Starlink already operates over 10,000 satellites, while Amazon's long-term plan calls for only about 3,200.
Despite the smaller fleet, the launch marks a critical milestone for Amazon's internet-from-space ambitions. The company aims to begin initial service in select regions later this year, though it still faces a steep climb to catch up with Starlink's global coverage.