The Federal Communications Commission has authorized Amazon to proceed with its ambitious plan to deploy over 4,500 new satellites as part of its second-generation Leo broadband network. This approval expands the existing constellation, which currently includes 3,232 satellites, ultimately aiming for a total of more than 7,000 satellites to enhance global internet coverage, including in polar regions.
Despite the green light for the second-generation rollout, Amazon is still working to meet the requirements for its first-generation satellites. The company has launched 180 Gen 1 satellites so far and plans to send an additional 32 into orbit shortly using an Ariane 6 rocket. Amazon has requested an extension from the FCC to meet its milestone of launching 1,616 satellites by July, pushing the deadline to 2028.
Amazon Leo's vice president, Rajeev Badyal, expressed confidence in the Gen 2 satellites, highlighting increased capacity and performance improvements that will benefit customers, particularly large enterprises needing efficient data transfer. The upgraded system will support both Ku-band and V-band frequencies, enhancing services like satellite TV and 5G.