Technology giant Amazon (AMZN) is seeking approval to launch more than 5,000 internet satellites into Earth’s orbit.
Seattle-based Amazon has asked U.S. regulators for approval to launch 5,105 satellites into space as it develops a constellation that will provide direct-to-device internet connectivity.
Amazon got into internet satellites after acquiring commercial space company Globalstar for $11.6 billion U.S. The company is challenging SpaceX (SPCX), which is the leader in the sector.
The space-based networks provide internet connectivity directly to smartphones and laptop computers via satellites rather than traditional cell towers.
In an application to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Amazon said that it is targeting users who are “unserved or underserved” by existing internet providers.
Amazon said that it expects to begin deploying internet satellites in Earth’s orbit starting in 2028.
The “Leo” internet-from-space network that Amazon is building aims to compete directly against SpaceX’s Starlink, the dominant low Earth orbit internet provider.
SpaceX, led by founder Elon Musk, already has a constellation of more than 10,000 satellites in Earth’s orbit.
Currently, SpaceX offers American consumers “Starlink Mobile,” a direct-to-cell service provided through a partnership with internet giant T-Mobile (TMUS).
AMZN stock is flat over the past year (down 0.60%) and currently trading at $231.39 U.S. per share.
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