Amazon Leo readies commercial launch as constellation hits 396 satellites

Amazon’s low‑Earth‑orbit satellite broadband project, Amazon Leo, has reached a fleet of roughly 396 satellites after a launch on a United Launch Alliance Atlas V from Cape Canaveral. The company says the constellation is now large enough to offer continuous service in its first target regions, with a commercial rollout planned for mid‑2026.

Leo will rely on future launches using ULA’s Vulcan heavy‑lift vehicle and Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket to reach its target of about 3,200 satellites. Amazon has secured partnerships with airlines, major telecom operators and NASA to build an ecosystem for the service, positioning the network as a direct competitor to SpaceX’s Starlink, which already operates more than 10,000 satellites.

The launch marks a critical milestone for Amazon’s entry into the increasingly contested satellite‑internet market, though analysts note the need for faster deployment to achieve parity with Starlink’s global coverage and performance.