Amazon announced it has 396 'Leo' satellites in low-Earth orbit following a recent launch, a number it says is sufficient to begin continuous internet service to its first customers. [4, 8] The launch of 29 satellites on an Atlas V rocket was the final one planned for that vehicle for the project, formerly known as Project Kuiper. [8]
The milestone allows Amazon to commence initial services and pilot programs as it moves toward a broader commercial rollout. [1, 8] The company faces a regulatory deadline from the U.S. Federal Communications Commission to deploy half of its total planned 3,236-satellite constellation by the end of July 2026. [4, 12]