Amazon in the Space Internet Market: Over 5 Thousand Satellites to Be Launched

US tech giant Amazon has officially announced its entry into the direct space communications market by acquiring Globalstar. According to documents submitted by the company to the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC), a new orbital constellation is planned to directly connect regular smartphones with satellites from anywhere on Earth. This initiative will open up access to internet and voice communication even in remote areas lacking mobile coverage. This is reported by Ixbt.com reports .

According to ixbt.com, Amazon intends to launch 5,105 satellites into low Earth orbit as part of this project. The devices will operate in the 1.6 and 2.4 GHz frequency bands using frequency resources belonging to Globalstar. Amazon aims to acquire the company for $11 billion, with this major deal expected to be fully completed in 2027. The new Direct-to-Device (D2D) class system is significant because it works without requiring additional terminals or special equipment.

Global communication ecosystem and capabilities

The planned new technology will not only provide regular calls and mobile internet, but also enable messaging, emergency calls, and seamless networking for cars and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. The satellites will be placed in orbits at altitudes ranging from 510 km to 580 km. FCC documents also envision the possibility of deploying over 11,000 devices in the future, though the initial phase plans for launching just over five thousand units.

Ka and V bands will be used in the data transmission and orbital constellation management process. The service life of each satellite is set at approximately six to eight years. The project's creators have also focused on environmental safety: devices that have reached the end of their lifespan will be moved to a 360 km orbit, from which they will naturally enter the atmosphere and completely burn up within two months.

Merger of space projects

This new satellite network will be integrated into Amazon's broader ecosystem. It will work together with existing Globalstar apparatuses and the Project Kuiper system, which the company is already launching into space to deliver broadband internet. As a result, a unified global infrastructure will be created covering all services ranging from home internet to direct smartphone connectivity.

Amazon has not yet disclosed when this advanced service will be fully launched for users. Nevertheless, this step is of great importance in competing with major rivals like Starlink and is expected to usher in an entirely new era in mobile communication and internet coverage in the future.