Amazon Builds 1,000th Satellite, Plans Space Internet Launch by End of Year

Amazon has been developing a constellation of satellites to deliver broadband internet from low-Earth orbit for the better part of a decade, according to the report, and is now close to unveiling the service. Its entry is being watched by consumers and by businesses including airlines, shipping companies and governments. Satellite broadband has proved useful for purposes ranging from video games and commerce to warfare.

Until now, most people who wanted orbital internet had to buy it from Elon Musk and SpaceX, Ars Technica reported. OneWeb has offered only limited services, leaving Amazon as the only real competitor positioned to deliver high-speed internet globally.

The company's broadband effort is led by Rajeev Badyal, who led Starlink during its early years. Musk fired him eight years ago for moving too cautiously on Starlink, according to Ars Technica.