Amazon Signs a Rocket Deal with Three Firms

Amazon used to be just a retail website, but today the company is so much more.

To prove it, recently the tech giant announced what the company claims to be the biggest rocket deal in the commercial space industry’s history.

The company has signed on with three companies, including Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin, for up to 83 launches of its Project Kuiper internet satellites.

Project Kuiper is Amazon’s plan to build a network of 3,236 satellites in low Earth orbit, to provide high-speed internet to anywhere in the world. The FCC in 2020 had authorized Amazon’s system, which the company has said it will “invest more than $10 billion” to build.

The contracts are for 38 launches with United Launch Alliance (ULA) – a joint venture of Boeing and Lockheed Martin; 18 launches with European company Arianespace; and 12 launches with Blue Origin, with an option for as many as 15 additional launches with the private venture.

Amazon is aiming to start testing a pair of Kuiper prototype satellites with a launch scheduled for late this year, launching on ABL Space’s RS1 rocket, before moving on to launch operational satellites.

FCC rules require the company to deploy half of its planned satellites within six years – meaning about 1,600 in orbit by July 2026.

“We still have lots of work ahead, but the team has continued to hit milestone after milestone across every aspect of our satellite system. These launch agreements reflect our incredible commitment and belief in Project Kuiper,” said Dave Limp, Amazon senior vice president of devices and services.

The terms of the contracts announced Tuesday were not disclosed.

Blue Origin will use its New Glenn rockets to fly the 12 Kuiper missions it will host.

Disclaimer: We have no position in any of the companies mentioned and have not been compensated for this article.