Amazon in October launched its first satellites for Project Kuiper satellites, and last week reiterated it plans to launch “customer pilots” of its space-based internet service in the second half of next year after completing its initial tests. But its goal to get things up and running may be too aggressive.
That’s according to Motley Fool, which compared the time it took for SpaceX to complete its numerous tests and launches before going live with its own satellite internet service. The site noted that it took SpaceX about 32 months to go from the first satellite tests to launching a beta service. Amazon expects to do it in about 12 months.
The difference in timeframe underscores Amazon’s aggressive plans to get into the satellite-based internet business, something SpaceX is a clear leader in through its constellation of 5,500 Starlink satellites. For Amazon, being able to connect homes and businesses with internet represents another opportunity to add on top of online retail, cloud services, and entertainment and streaming.
A spokesperson for Amazon wasn’t immediately available to comment on the Motley Fool article, but the company on Monday pointed to last week’s statement reiterating its belief that the service would launch in the second half of next year.
Amazon plans to mass launch satellites for the service within the next six months, with service to come within 12 months.
“That’s either an incredibly optimistic timeline or means Amazon has spent the last two months testing its first pair of satellites and already concluded that everything is working so perfectly that it feels confident moving up its rollout,” the article said.
Amazon has until July 2026 to launch half of its constellation of satellites, a deadline set by the Federal Communications Commission. It’s clear the company is moving quickly as it plays catch-up to SpaceX and Starlink. Time will tell if the company can meet its lofty ambitions.