RVers have been watching Amazon with great interest. Nothing to do with cheap RV parts, but rather, the big company’s Project Kuiper. The project promises to provide internet satellite connectivity, presumably at a lower cost than that of Starlink. Now in a strange bedfellows scenario, SpaceX launches Amazon satellites.
SpaceX launches Amazon satellites on Falcon 9 rocket
Project Kuiper just got a major boost (or booster rocket), thanks to none other than its biggest rival. On July 16, SpaceX launched 24 of Amazon’s internet satellites aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral. That’s right—Amazon turned to Elon Musk’s company to help get its satellite network off the ground. This, even though SpaceX already operates Starlink, the most widely used satellite internet service among RVers. The launch brings Amazon’s satellite total to 78. It’s part of a plan to get 1,600 satellites in orbit by mid-2026 so it can start offering its own broadband service.
Amazon had originally planned to rely on other rocket companies like ULA, Blue Origin, and Arianespace. But trouble came up with repeated delays, and Amazon had to pivot to the one company that could reliably deliver: SpaceX. The July launch was the first of three scheduled Falcon 9 missions for Amazon, with two more planned later this year.
RVers keep close watch aloft
While Kuiper’s service isn’t available yet, RVers are watching closely. Many are hoping it will offer competitive alternatives to Starlink, especially in remote areas where cellular service just doesn’t cut it.
Starlink currently leads the way with about 6 million users worldwide and more than 8,000 satellites in orbit. Amazon’s entry could mean more choices—and possibly better prices—for RVers who depend on reliable internet while off the grid. It’s still early days, but the race is heating up, and with SpaceX launching Amazon satellites, it could be good news for anyone who wants to stream, work, or stay connected from the boondocks.
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Thank you for the news, Russ and Tina. Sounds like a nice side business for Space X to at least dabble in. Bet it brings a nice pile of cash that more than offsets their costs. Could also be a PR move. In any case, could ultimately help consumers. Have a great day and safe travels!
I agree 100 Neal. It seems like good business for both. Bezos wants satelites in space and Musk can deliver, possibly at a lower price point than doing it in house. Bezos recognizes that the rocket business is the Keurig machine and that the satelites in space are the K-Cup subscriptions. He doesn’t want to compete head to head at rockets anymore, he wants to compete in the communications space, which was the end game goal for both, from the beginning. Competition is good and Musk knows it.
Happy trails, Neal.