Amazon Secures FCC Approval to Deploy 4,500 Leo Satellites to Orbit
In Focus
- FCC’s approval allows Amazon to expand its Leo constellation
- Leo satellite network faces stiff competition from Elon Musk’s Starlink
- Amazon must deploy all 4,500 satellites to orbit by 2035
Amazon has received approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to deploy 4,500 satellites to space. According to CNBC, Amazon’s approval of the LEO satellite network paves the way for the company to expand its constellation to take on Elon Musk’s SpaceX. The approval came weeks after Amazon sought relief from a July 2026 milestone for its Gen 1 satellites after achieving about 11% of its deployment target.
What Does the FCC Approval Entail?
FCC’s authorization includes deployment and operation of 3,212 Gen 2 satellites between 590 kilometers and 630 kilometers above Earth. The approval also includes deployment of 1,292 Polar spacecraft between 600 kilometers and 650 kilometers.
In addition to the deployment, the FCC approval includes authorization of Gen 1 satellites, which currently operate on Ka-band, to use higher-frequency V-band spectrum. Amazon Polar and Gen 2 satellites are to operate across three frequencies, Ku-, Ka-, and V-band.
The communications regulator also gave Amazon a go-ahead to exceed specific satellite power limits within the U.S. However, this approval is subject to certain conditions. Amazon already has 3,232 Gen 1 satellites operating at altitudes similar to those of Gen 2.
The latest approval of Amazon’s 4,500 LEO satellites project by the FCC will expand the company’s low Earth orbit satellites to 7,736.
FCC Set Timelines for Satellite Deployment
In terms of timelines, the FCC said Amazon must launch at least 50% of the approved satellites by February 10, 2032. The regulator also said the remaining batch must be deployed by February 10, 2035.
The company is still working to launch 1,600 Gen 1 satellites before the July 2026 deadline. Amazon attributed the delays to factors beyond its control, which include rocket shortage. Last month, the company sent a request to extend this timeline to July 2028 or waive it. But the communications watchdog is yet to decide on the request.
Amazon’s goal is to provide satellite internet connectivity through project Leo by the end of this year. The company announced project Kuiper back in 2019 and rebranded it to Leo last year.
Since April 2025, Amazon has launched over 150 low-earth orbit satellites to space. The next set of satellites to launch will be Gen 2 orbital systems to boost the company’s frequency bands and expand Kuiper’s geographic coverage.
Amazon’s Plan to Invest in the Leo Project
Amazon has invested $10 billion in satellite internet service. Its Leo project is set to rival Starlink, which already has over 9,000 satellites in orbit and about 9 million customers. News of Amazon’s broadband satellite approval comes at a time when Elon Musk’s Starlink plans to undertake an orbit change.
According to Amazon’s Finance Chief Brian Olsavsky, the company plans to conduct 20 satellite launches this year and 30 in 2027. This year, the company plans to spend $1 billion more on its Leo constellation as it launches more satellites.
