Amazon has officially renamed its global satellite internet programme Project Kuiper to Amazon Leo, marking a major shift in the company’s space-internet ambitions. The initiative aims to provide fast, reliable broadband to regions that still struggle with poor connectivity. With thousands of satellites planned in low-Earth orbit, Amazon is gearing up for a direct challenge to Elon Musk’s Starlink, which currently dominates the satellite-internet market.
The change in branding signals Amazon’s push to speed up deployments and expand services globally over the next two years. Experts expect competition in the satellite-internet sector to intensify as both companies race to provide affordable, high-speed internet on a worldwide scale.
What Is Amazon Leo?
Amazon Leo, earlier known as Project Kuiper, is Amazon’s satellite internet project designed to bring high-speed broadband to underserved, rural, and remote areas. The new name highlights its focus on Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, positioned between 590 km and 630 km above Earth.
The name also pays tribute to the “Kuiper Belt,” the vast region of icy bodies beyond Neptune. More than 153 Amazon satellites already operate in low orbit as part of early testing.
Amazon Leo’s goal is to reduce global internet inequality and offer stable connectivity in places where building fibre networks is difficult, expensive, or impossible. With this rollout, Amazon aims to narrow the global digital divide and connect millions who still lack basic internet access.
How Amazon Leo Works?
The system runs on three major components:
- Ground Infrastructure – Gateway antennas support data transmission, while TT&C antennas track satellite health.
- LEO Satellites – Thousands of satellites relay high-speed signals between ground stations and users.
- Customer Terminals – Small user devices deliver home or business internet.
Amazon has three types of terminals:
- Leo Nano – Up to 100 Mbps
- Leo Pro – Up to 400 Mbps
- Leo Ultra – Up to 1 Gbps
These terminals allow users to stream, join video calls, play online games, and run business operations without major delays.
Amazon’s Expansion and Production Plans
Amazon Leo’s headquarters are in Redmond, Washington, with a large-scale satellite production facility in Kirkland. This factory can build up to five satellites per day, allowing Amazon to deploy its constellation quickly.
A dedicated satellite processing centre at NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in Florida prepares satellites for launch. Amazon has booked more than 80 launches, one of the largest commercial launch orders in history. Partners include Blue Origin, SpaceX, and United Launch Alliance—a rare case where competitors collaborate for launches.
Amazon plans to place over 3,000 satellites into orbit to offer global coverage.
When Will Amazon Leo Roll Out?
Amazon expects to begin its enterprise-level services in late 2025, followed by wider public availability in 2026. Coverage will expand gradually as more satellites reach orbit.
Industry analysts say the competition between Amazon Leo, and Starlink could lower prices, increase innovation, and improve global internet access. The rivalry may reshape the future of space-based communication networks.
