Overview
- U.S. regulators approved 4,500 additional second‑generation satellites, taking Amazon Leo’s planned constellation to roughly 7,700 with milestones set for 2032 and 2035.
- Amazon has launched about 180 Gen 1 satellites to date and is set to add 32 more on Feb. 12 aboard an Arianespace Ariane 64 from French Guiana under a multi‑launch manifest.
- The FCC authorization expands coverage to polar regions and adds Ku‑ and V‑band capabilities, while deferring parts of Amazon’s Ka‑band request after industry challenges.
- Amazon asked the FCC to extend or waive a separate July 2026 requirement to have 1,600 Gen 1 satellites in orbit, citing near‑term rocket availability; the agency has not ruled.
- Amazon named MTN and UAE‑based ELCOME as its first maritime resellers and detailed terminals targeting up to 400 Mbps (Leo Pro) and up to 1 Gbps (Leo Ultra), alongside plans to spend about $1 billion more this year and execute 20+ launches in 2026 and 30+ in 2027.