The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has officially authorised Amazon to significantly enhance its planned Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite network, expanding it to over 7,700 satellites.
This recent FCC approval includes the deployment of two new systems, known as Gen2 and Polar, in addition to the previously sanctioned Gen1 constellation.
The expanded LEO constellation will incorporate Amazon’s Gen1 network, which is currently under deployment and features 180 satellites now in orbit out of a total of 3,232 intended to operate at altitudes ranging from 590 km to 630 km.
By the end of this week, the number of satellites in space is expected to surpass 200, thanks to the upcoming launch of 32 satellites from French Guiana aboard Arianespace’s Ariane 64 rocket scheduled for tomorrow (February 12).
The newly approved Gen2 system will add 3,212 satellites, which will occupy orbits similar to those of the Gen1 satellites. Moreover, the Polar system will comprise 1,292 satellites positioned at higher inclinations (between 66 and 82 degrees) to enhance coverage in high-latitude regions.
With this expansion, Amazon will have a total of 7,736 satellites planned.
Under FCC license requirements, Amazon must adhere to specific deployment deadlines. For the Gen1 system, the company is required to launch and operate at least 50% of its authorised satellites by July 30, 2026. Earlier this year, Amazon submitted a request for a two-year extension of this deadline, and the decision on the extension is still pending.
The timelines for the Gen2 and Polar systems differ, with a 50% completion target for the Gen2 system by February 2032.
This announcement follows Amazon’s unveiling of its first two resellers for the maritime sector, with Dubai-based ELCOME and US operator MTN signing agreements to offer services to customers in commercial shipping, yachting, offshore, and cruise & ferry industries once available.
