Amazon Leo has filed an application with the Federal Communications Commission to launch 5,105 satellites into low-Earth orbit. The project involves creating a large satellite constellation to provide direct-to-device communications services between spacecraft and conventional devices.
Amazon Leo has filed an application with the Federal Communications Commission to launch 5,105 satellites into low-Earth orbit. The project involves creating a large satellite constellation to provide direct-to-device communications services between spacecraft and conventional devices.
According to documents filed by subsidiary Kuiper Systems LLC, the tech giant plans to combine its own infrastructure with Globalstar’s spectrum, satellites and ground network, expanding the service’s functionality from emergency alerts to voice calls, data transfers and industrial Internet of Things (IoT).
The purchase of Globalstar will cost Amazon $11.57 billion. The deal was announced in April of this year, and its final closing is expected in 2027. The application submitted to the FCC will allow the use of Globalstar frequencies immediately after the merger procedure is completed.
In addition, Amazon Leo seeks access to competitor Iridium’s exclusive frequencies in the 1618.725–1621.25 MHz range outside the United States, as well as to L-band frequencies (1518–1525/1668–1675 MHz). The FCC has now put this issue up for public comment. However, the situation may be complicated by the fact that RocketLab is currently finalizing a deal to buy Iridium for almost $8 billion and is also interested in keeping these frequencies for itself.
In its filing, Amazon assured the regulator that its satellites will be able to operate «in coexistence with other users of the same frequencies and adjacent bands and will take all necessary and practical measures to avoid harmful interference.» The company believes that the deployment of the D2D system will «expand mobile connectivity to more people and devices.»
Recall that Ukrainian technology company Stetman continues preparations to deploy its own satellite constellation of 360 devices in low Earth orbit (LEO). The launches of the first 120 satellites are planned for 2027 in conjunction with the American company SpaceX.
