Amazon bets on Blue Origin and ULA to scale its 3,200-satellite Leo network
Amazon is expanding its satellite program by using both Blue Origin’s New Glenn and ULA’s Vulcan to deploy its Amazon Leo network. After a prior New Glenn upper-stage failure, Blue Origin plans a mission delivering 48 satellites for Amazon as soon as June, with the FAA having closed the investigation and Blue Origin outlining corrective actions. ULA’s Vulcan remains grounded due to booster anomalies, complicating the schedule for future Amazon launches. Amazon has previously relied on Atlas V, Falcon 9, and Ariane 6 and aims to deploy about 3,200 satellites, seeking faster deployment and potential competition to SpaceX’s Starlink, contingent on Vulcan’s recovery and ongoing testing.
- Amazon turns to Jeff Bezos’ other company to do some heavy lifting Ars Technica
- Blue Origin rocket explodes during test in latest setback for Jeff Bezos-owned company The Guardian
- Blue Origin rocket explodes on the launch pad during an engine-firing test NPR
- Blue Origin Rocket Blows Up on Florida Launchpad During Test The New York Times
- Blue Origin rocket experiences anomaly during ground test CNN
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