From The Verge · Jess Weatherbed · · 1m 50s
SpaceX launches next-gen Starlink as Amazon falls behind
SpaceX deploys upgraded satellites while Amazon's rival Leo constellation struggles with grounded launch partners and missed deadlines.
In brief
SpaceX deploys upgraded satellites while Amazon's rival Leo constellation struggles with grounded launch partners and missed deadlines. SpaceX is deploying its first Starlink V3 satellites today while Amazon's competing Leo satellite internet service falls further behind due to launch partner setbacks. Originally…
SpaceX launches upgraded Starlink today
SpaceX will deploy its first Starlink V3 satellites today, with twenty-six satellites riding atop Starship in its first orbital deployment attempt. The upgraded satellites offer meaningful improvements to Starlink's constellation.
Amazon Leo lags far behind Starlink
Amazon's Leo constellation has launched three hundred ninety-six satellites total, far below Starlink's over eleven thousand in operation. Since July second, Starlink has launched five hundred fifty-two satellites while Leo launched none.
Leo's launch partners are grounded
Vulcan, ULA's successor to Atlas V, has been grounded by the US Space Force since February twenty twenty-six following a booster anomaly. Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket is also grounded after its only launchpad was destroyed in May.
Arianespace delays add to Amazon's problems
Amazon ordered six additional Arianespace A64 launches, bringing its total to twenty-four. But Ariane six component issues are expected to disrupt launches for the remainder of twenty twenty-six, scrubbing planned October missions.
Amazon misses commercial launch deadline
Amazon said its almost four hundred operational Leo satellites could enable limited internet service, but its mid-twenty twenty-six commercial availability deadline has passed with no update. The company received an FCC extension to launch half its planned three thousand two hundred thirty-two satellites.
Leo faces years before competing globally
At its current pace, Amazon's Leo will take years before it can seriously compete with Starlink globally. The service remains in early stages while facing mounting launch delays and missed commercial deadlines.
The main idea
SpaceX is deploying its first Starlink V3 satellites today while Amazon's competing Leo satellite internet service falls further behind due to launch partner setbacks.
