Amazon plans to take on Elon Musk’s SpaceX in the satellite internet arena

Amazon has outlined its plans to deliver internet from space under Project Kuiper.

The company says it will be done by sending more than 3000 small satellites in low Earth orbit.

The e-commerce giant had signed a multi-billion-dollar contract back in April, securing 83 launches for its Project Kuiper from Arianespace, Blue Origin and United Launch Alliance.

The contract was the the largest rocket deal in the history of the commercial space industry

“These launch agreements reflect our incredible commitment and belief in Project Kuiper and we’re proud to be working with such an impressive lineup of partners to deliver on our mission,” Dave Limp, the Senior Vice President for Amazon Devices & Services says in a written statement.

Tech expert Greg Nibler says Amazon is an “economic powerhouse” that has bought its way into becoming a “viable competitor”.

“With Amazon securing these contracts… will give them enough to provide some pretty reliable internet to a lot of places around the globe,” Nibler says.

SpaceX has about 2000 satellites already up in the space and a clearance to put up 12,000 but Nibler says while SpaceX is ahead of its game, Amazon is already in households across the globe.

“You think of that as just ready made customers,” he says.

“I bet that’s what they’re going to do… integrate it in with everything they’ve already got,” Nibler says, calling it a huge competitive advantage.

SpaceX’s Starlink provides internet at the cost of $110 per month but Nibler says if Amazon can make its service’s price low enough, it will be a win for the company.

Billionaire’s space race

Jeff Bezos’ satellite internet project was revealed in 2019 and is expected to be launched in installments over 5 years.

On the other hand, Nibler says Elon Musk is on the top of the world.

“With Starlink he is so far ahead I doubt he is going to view Amazon as much of a competitor,” he says.

Nibler says Bezos attempts to come after Musk over anything space based have been no secret.

“They trade their barbs back and forth on Twitter which Musk now owns,” he says.

“He (Musk) is leagues ahead of everyone so he’s kind of sitting in driver’s seat right now.”

Musk’s Starlink is available to order and is said to be suited for rural and remote communities where connectivity is otherwise unreliable or unavailable.

Rijul Baath contributed to this report