SpaceX's Starship launch highlights Amazon Leo's launch troubles

SpaceX is preparing for a significant flight today: if successful, it will deploy its first Starlink V3 satellites and, for the first time, attempt to put Starship into Earth orbit. The mission involves 26 satellites and is likely being watched closely by Amazon, according to reporting by The Verge.

The launch comes as Amazon's rival satellite internet project, Leo, continues to face delays. The last successful Leo deployment was on July 2nd, when 29 satellites were carried to orbit aboard United Launch Alliance's Atlas V rocket. That was twelve weeks ago. Since then, Leo's total launched satellite count has remained at 396, far below the more than 11,000 Starlink satellites currently in operation. In fact, SpaceX has launched 552 Starlink satellites since July 2nd alone, according to the report.

Amazon Leo's struggles stem largely from issues with its launch providers. ULA's Vulcan rocket, the successor to the retiring Atlas V, has been grounded by the US Space Force since February 2026 following a booster anomaly that is still under investigation. Blue Origin, owned by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, is also contracted to launch Leo satellites, but its New Glenn rocket has been grounded since its only launchpad was destroyed in May.

Earlier this month, Amazon announced it had ordered six additional launches from Arianespace's A64 heavy-lift rocket, increasing its total contracted launches from 18 to 24. However, that rocket is also facing delays due to an unspecified Ariane 6 component issue expected to disrupt launches for the remainder of 2026. Thirty-six Leo satellites were previously expected to launch aboard Ariane 64 in October, but those missions have been removed from the European spaceport website.

These setbacks raise questions about when Amazon will next expand its Leo constellation. The service, still in its early stages, has received an extension for its FCC deadline to launch half of its planned 3,232 satellites, with the condition that it must move quickly. Amazon previously stated that the nearly 400 satellites it has in operation are sufficient to switch on a limited version of its internet service, but the "mid-2026" deadline it set for commercial availability has passed without an update.

At the current pace, it could be years before Leo can seriously compete with Starlink globally. The launch failures and delays at Amazon's partners are a significant hurdle, and the company's ability to attract customers and developers will depend on getting satellites into orbit reliably and soon.

For users, the competitive landscape remains dominated by Starlink, which continues to expand its constellation and upgrade its technology with V3 satellites. Rival services like Leo are still far from offering a comparable alternative, meaning consumers have limited choices for satellite internet.

For competitors, Amazon's difficulties highlight the challenges of entering the satellite internet market, where launch capacity and reliability are critical. SpaceX's vertical integration, including its own launch vehicles, gives it a major advantage.

For developers, the slow rollout of Leo may delay opportunities to build applications and services on its network. The lack of commercial availability updates from Amazon leaves potential partners uncertain about when they can plan for integration.

In the wider technology market, the race to provide global satellite internet is intensifying. Starlink's lead appears secure for now, but Amazon's long-term ambitions and deep pockets mean the competition is far from over. However, the immediate obstacles are clear: without functioning launch partners, Leo cannot grow.

The Verge's reporting underscores the stark contrast between SpaceX's progress and Amazon's setbacks. While SpaceX prepares for a historic Starship flight, Amazon is grappling with grounded rockets and missed deadlines. The outcome of today's launch could further widen the gap between the two rivals.

As of now, neither Amazon nor SpaceX has provided additional comments on the situation. The next steps for Leo remain uncertain, but the pressure is mounting for Amazon to overcome its launch challenges and deliver on its promises.