Amazon's space-internet service, Leo, has been given a new launch date of mid-2026 by CEO Andy Jassy. This announcement comes after the company's initial plans were delayed, with an enterprise preview set to begin at the end of 2025. The delay is due to Amazon's reliance on launch partners, including SpaceX, until its own reusable rocket, New Glenn, is fully operational. Despite having FCC approval for 3,236 satellites, Amazon has only launched 241, falling short of its goal to have half of its constellation deployed by July 2026. This has led to a request for an extension from the FCC. In contrast, SpaceX's Starlink service already has over 10,000 satellites in orbit. When Leo finally launches, it promises faster speeds and lower costs, seamlessly integrating with AWS for data storage, analytics, and AI. This development is particularly intriguing as it provides an alternative to SpaceX's Starlink, which has gained popularity for its quick and economic installation, filling gaps in global data coverage. However, the involvement of another problematic billionaire, Elon Musk, raises questions about the reliability and ethics of such ventures. The article concludes by highlighting the anticipation surrounding Leo's launch, especially among those seeking alternatives to Starlink, while also emphasizing the ongoing challenges and ethical considerations in the space-internet industry.
