Tag: SpaceX

  • Google’s Project Suncatcher: AI Chips Bound for Low Earth Orbit on October 1

    Google’s Project Suncatcher: AI Chips Bound for Low Earth Orbit on October 1

    Google is preparing to launch its Tensor Processing Units (TPUs) into low Earth orbit on October 1, 2026, as part of Project Suncatcher. The prototype satellite will be carried by SpaceX’s Transporter-18 rideshare mission, launching from California. Planet Labs is collaborating with Google on the spacecraft effort.

    The primary goal of Project Suncatcher is to test how AI hardware performs in the harsh environment of space. The TPUs will be subjected to radiation, extreme temperatures, and the intense vibrations of a rocket launch. Cosmic rays and solar activity can disrupt electronics and create errors known as bit flips. Google has already conducted ground tests, including proton beam radiation testing at UC Davis, where AI workloads were run while researchers monitored radiation-related errors. Vibration tests across all three satellite axes were also performed, and the hardware reportedly held up during these stress tests.

    One of the biggest challenges for space-based AI computing is cooling. In the vacuum of space, conventional fans cannot dissipate heat. Google plans to use heat pipes and radiators to transfer heat away from the TPUs, a method already tested in thermal vacuum chambers.

    Another advantage of orbital computing is access to near-constant solar power. Satellites in low Earth orbit can receive up to eight times more solar energy than ground-based installations, making space an attractive location for energy-intensive AI workloads.

    Looking ahead, Google envisions multiple satellites working together as orbital computing clusters, connected by high-bandwidth laser links. The company plans to launch two satellites in 2027 to test these laser communication systems.

    The upcoming launch is not a full-scale AI data center in space but a testbed to gather real-world data on hardware reliability and operational limits. The findings will inform the design of future space-based AI systems, with commercial deployment still a long-term possibility.

  • SpaceX Software Engineer Compensation: What Top Engineers Earn in 2025

    SpaceX Software Engineer Compensation: What Top Engineers Earn in 2025

    SpaceX has become one of the most sought-after employers for software engineers, combining cutting-edge aerospace technology with competitive compensation packages. This article breaks down the salary tiers, benefits, and skills that define a career at the rocket company.

    Entry-Level Engineer

    Early-career software engineers at SpaceX earn competitive salaries while working on groundbreaking aerospace systems. The hands-on experience and exposure to mission-critical projects often outweigh the base pay for many new graduates.

    Mid-Level Engineer

    Experienced engineers receive higher compensation as they take on greater project responsibilities. Mid-level roles involve leading development of software that controls launch vehicles, satellites, and ground systems.

    Senior Software Engineer

    Senior engineers command premium salaries for overseeing mission-critical software development. They are responsible for architecture decisions and mentoring junior team members.

    Principal Engineer

    Principal engineers shape SpaceX’s software architecture and receive top-tier compensation packages. These roles influence the technical direction of the entire company.

    Stock-Based Compensation

    Employees may receive equity awards alongside their base salary and bonuses, aligning their interests with the company’s long-term success.

    Benefits

    SpaceX offers healthcare, retirement plans, paid leave, and other employee benefits that complement the total compensation package.

    Skills Required

    Strong programming skills, experience with distributed systems, embedded software development, and problem-solving abilities are highly valued. Engineers must thrive in a fast-paced, innovative environment.

    Work Environment

    The engineering culture at SpaceX is defined by rapid iteration, challenging projects, and a mission-driven focus. Employees work on technologies that push the boundaries of space exploration.

  • AMD Stock Drops 7% Despite Record Q2 Revenue as AI Expectations and SpaceX’s NVIDIA Deal Weigh

    AMD Stock Drops 7% Despite Record Q2 Revenue as AI Expectations and SpaceX’s NVIDIA Deal Weigh

    Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) shares closed 7% lower on Wednesday, even as the company reported record second-quarter revenue of $11.54 billion and a 107% surge in data-center sales. The decline highlights how elevated market expectations and external pressures, including SpaceX’s decision to exclusively use NVIDIA chips, overshadowed strong financial results.

    AMD Q2 Revenue Up 50%

    AMD posted revenue of $11.54 billion, up 50% from $7.69 billion a year earlier, and above the $11.28 billion analyst consensus cited by Reuters. Non-GAAP earnings reached $1.66 per share, while GAAP earnings were $1.38 per share. Data-center revenue rose 107% to $6.72 billion, accounting for 58% of quarterly sales, driven by demand for EPYC server processors and Instinct graphics processors.

    The company forecast third-quarter revenue near $13 billion, with a possible $300 million swing, exceeding the $12.52 billion analyst estimate. However, analysts noted that investors had set a higher bar after recent customer deals. Gross margin improved to 54% under standard accounting, up from 40% a year earlier. Operating income hit $1.99 billion, compared with a $134 million loss, and net income jumped 163% to $2.30 billion.

    SpaceX Chooses NVIDIA for AI Systems

    SpaceX CEO Elon Musk announced that the company would build its AI computing systems exclusively with NVIDIA hardware, calling NVIDIA’s architecture “the best” during SpaceX’s earnings call. NVIDIA shares rose 3.4% while AMD stock fell. Musk’s statement shifted from his earlier position that his companies could source processors from AMD, NVIDIA, and others. AMD CEO Lisa Su expressed “tremendous respect” for Musk and said AMD expects to work with SpaceX over time.

    AMD continues to serve large technology companies and expand its AI product line. Its Helios rack-scale systems, using MI450 accelerators, support AI training and inference, with shipments expected to rise in the second half of 2026.

    Wells Fargo Raises AMD Price Target to $700

    Wells Fargo analyst Aaron Rakers raised AMD’s price target from $615 to $700 while maintaining an Overweight rating, even as the market focused on valuation and near-term growth. Other analysts described the results as solid but noted a “very high bar” (TD Cowen) and that the quarter beat consensus but missed more optimistic forecasts (Deutsche Bank). Supply constraints, including TSMC’s N3 process and CoWoS packaging through 2027, remain on investors’ watchlists.

    CEO Lisa Su expects data-center revenue to more than double by 2027, with server revenue growth of 80% in the second half of 2026 and over 70% year-over-year in 2027. AMD stock closed at $482.53, down 6.6%, erasing nearly $59 billion in market value.

  • Wall Street Hits Fresh Records as Strong Earnings and Easing Geopolitical Tensions Fuel Five-Day Rally

    Wall Street Hits Fresh Records as Strong Earnings and Easing Geopolitical Tensions Fuel Five-Day Rally

    Wall Street opened higher on Wednesday, reaching record highs as strong corporate earnings and easing geopolitical concerns in the Middle East buoyed investor sentiment. The S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average both hit fresh intraday highs, extending a five-day rally.

    The S&P 500 rose 0.61% to 7,783.50 shortly after the opening bell. Meanwhile, the Dow advanced 450 points to 54,536.68, and the Nasdaq Composite added 0.41% to 26,694.42.

    US Stocks Extend Five-Day Rally

    US stocks continued their five-session winning streak, which began with renewed demand for technology and consumer shares. All three major indexes are on track for their strongest five-day performance since April 2025. Over the past week, the S&P 500 has gained more than 6%, the Dow has risen over 5%, and the Nasdaq has climbed more than 9%. In the previous session, the S&P 500 closed above 7,700 for the first time, while the Dow gained more than 900 points and secured another record close.

    Market breadth remained positive during early trading. On the New York Stock Exchange, advancing stocks outnumbered declining ones by 1.26 to one, and the ratio on the Nasdaq was 1.13 to one.

    Disney and Eli Lilly Lead Major Stock Moves

    Disney shares rose 2.9% after the company reported better-than-expected fiscal third-quarter profit, helping lift the Dow. Eli Lilly climbed 7.3% after beating second-quarter revenue and earnings estimates and raising its full-year revenue forecast. Healthcare led the S&P 500 sectors with a 1.9% gain.

    Arista Networks jumped 7.3% after forecasting third-quarter revenue above market estimates. Microsoft and Alphabet each gained about 1%, supporting the broader technology sector. However, Uber fell 5.5% after forecasting current-quarter adjusted earnings below estimates, and utilities lagged the broader market, losing nearly 1%.

    According to FactSet, more than 84% of S&P 500 companies have beaten earnings estimates this season, helping investors look past weaker economic data.

    SpaceX and AMD Fall as NVIDIA Rallies

    SpaceX shares dropped 12.5% following its first quarterly report since its June public listing. While the company nearly doubled revenue and narrowed operating losses, a sixfold increase in capital spending to $18.4 billion, largely for AI projects and infrastructure, raised concerns. Nic Puckrin, founder of Coin Bureau, described AI spending as “getting out of hand,” adding that companies showed “no signs of slowing down anytime soon.” AMD shares fell 6.5%, despite forecasting quarterly revenue above analyst estimates, as investors expected a stronger outlook after the stock had gained 142% this year.

    In contrast, NVIDIA rose 3.4% after Elon Musk confirmed that SpaceX would use its processors for AI infrastructure. Musk called NVIDIA’s product “the best AI computer” during the earnings call.

    Hormuz Hopes Support Wall Street

    Oil prices held near recent levels as investors monitored talks involving Iran, Oman, and the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude rose 1% to $80.22 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate futures gained 0.46% to $76.12. Prices rose after Houthi militants claimed an attack on a Saudi tanker in the Red Sea.

    Reuters reported that Iran and Oman were discussing a framework covering inbound ship traffic through Hormuz. However, regional sources questioned claims that an agreement was close. One source noted that “the concession has already been made regarding some form of control over Hormuz,” but other details still required negotiation.

    Jobs and Services Data Enter Focus

    US private employers added 44,000 jobs in July, according to ADP, below June’s 95,000 increase and the 75,000 forecast. Investors now await Friday’s official nonfarm payrolls report, which could affect expectations for Federal Reserve interest-rate policy in the coming months.

    Meanwhile, the ISM Services PMI reached 54.1 in July, compared with 54.0 in June, with a reading above 50 signaling expansion. The employment component fell to 47.4, its lowest level since March, while the prices index rose to 70.3, pointing to persistent service-sector inflation.

    Strong corporate earnings and easing geopolitical concerns have kept Wall Street’s record-breaking rally intact despite weak hiring data. Investors now look to Friday’s nonfarm payrolls report for fresh clues on the Federal Reserve’s next policy moves, with earnings momentum and AI-driven growth remaining key drivers of market sentiment.

  • SpaceX Q2 2026 Revenue Surges to $7.8B as AI Investment Weighs on Stock

    SpaceX Q2 2026 Revenue Surges to $7.8B as AI Investment Weighs on Stock

    SpaceX reported second-quarter revenue of $7.8 billion, a 92% increase year-over-year, driven by strong growth in its Starlink satellite internet and artificial intelligence businesses. However, the company posted a net loss of $541 million, and shares fell about 11% in pre-market trading after the earnings release as investors focused on rising capital expenditures tied to AI infrastructure.

    Starlink remained the largest revenue contributor, generating $4.29 billion in the quarter, up from $2.59 billion a year earlier. The satellite internet service now has 12 million subscribers, and CEO Elon Musk said during the earnings call that Starlink could eventually deliver a majority of the world’s internet.

    SpaceX’s AI segment also saw significant growth, with revenue rising to $2.56 billion from $737 million in the same period last year. The company provides computing capacity for AI projects and works with partners including Google and Anthropic. It currently operates 1.4 gigawatts of AI computing capacity and plans to expand to at least 10 gigawatts next year. However, the AI division recorded a $1.2 billion loss despite generating $2.5 billion in revenue.

    Capital spending surged to about $18 billion during the quarter, compared with less than $3 billion a year earlier. CFO Bret Johnsen said spending would remain at a similar level for the rest of the year. The increased costs, combined with a $542 million loss in the space division, fueled investor concerns after the earnings report.

    SpaceX shares had gained 9.43% during regular trading on Tuesday, closing at $125.33, but reversed course in after-hours trading. The stock had already declined from its June high following the company’s public listing.

    Musk said SpaceX expects its AI investments to support future growth and reiterated a goal of reaching $1 trillion in annual revenue by 2030, one year earlier than his previous estimate. The company continues to focus on its Starship program, with President Gwynne Shotwell stating that SpaceX aims to send astronauts to the Moon by 2028 through NASA’s lunar program.

    SpaceX’s earnings report also revealed changes in the value of its Bitcoin holdings. The company held 18,712 BTC at the end of the second quarter, with the value falling to about $1.1 billion from $1.64 billion at the end of 2025. SpaceX did not indicate plans to sell its holdings.

  • Discarded SpaceX Falcon 9 Stage Strikes the Moon, Offering Rare Research Opportunity

    Discarded SpaceX Falcon 9 Stage Strikes the Moon, Offering Rare Research Opportunity

    A discarded SpaceX Falcon 9 upper-stage rocket has crashed into the Moon after drifting through space for more than 18 months, marking one of the few known accidental impacts of human-made space debris on the lunar surface. The 4,000-kilogram rocket stage, originally launched in January 2025 to deploy Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost and ispace’s Resilience lunar landers, struck the Moon at an estimated speed of 8,690 km/h (5,400 mph). Scientists believe the impact created a crater measuring roughly 20 to 40 metres across, although confirmation is expected only after orbital imagery becomes available.

    How the Falcon 9 Ended Up on a Collision Course

    Unlike the reusable first stage of the Falcon 9 rocket, the upper stage is designed for a single mission. After successfully sending the two lunar landers toward the Moon, the stage exhausted its fuel and could not perform a controlled disposal manoeuvre. Instead of returning to Earth or entering a stable solar orbit, it remained in a high-Earth orbit that crossed the Moon’s path. Over time, a combination of solar radiation pressure and gravitational forces from the Earth and Moon gradually altered its trajectory, ultimately sending it toward the lunar surface. SpaceX has said the disposal method complied with existing safety regulations for high-energy missions but acknowledged that future disposal strategies are being evaluated with NASA and other agencies.

    Scientists See a Rare Research Opportunity

    Though the outcome was unexpected, researchers see a great chance for learning about the Moon’s surface and planning future space missions. The collision is believed to have produced a plume of dust and rock particles, which will help scientists study physical processes, crater formation, and the interaction between man-made objects and the lunar surface. As the collision took place on the illuminated part of the Moon near the Einstein Crater area, observing the event from Earth was not easy. However, satellites such as NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter and South Korea’s Danuri should capture images before and after the event to detect the created crater.

    Growing Focus on Space Debris

    This incident has triggered a debate on how to handle space debris in view of the growing number of lunar expeditions. Beyond rocket stages that have impacted the Moon in the past—including one in 2022 and NASA experiments during the Apollo missions—the increasing number of commercial and governmental lunar missions poses new challenges for orbital sustainability. Space organizations and private firms are already seeking better ways to manage space debris from high-energy missions to ensure no abandoned spacecraft becomes a hazard. The Falcon 9 crash serves as a reminder that mission planning must account for deep-space travel’s unique challenges.

  • Bitcoin ETF Inflows Hit $211M, BlackRock Tokenizes $311B Funds, Uniswap Launches Lending, SpaceX Reduces Crypto Holdings

    Bitcoin ETF Inflows Hit $211M, BlackRock Tokenizes $311B Funds, Uniswap Launches Lending, SpaceX Reduces Crypto Holdings

    The crypto market saw significant developments as spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded $211.49 million in daily net inflows, BlackRock expanded tokenized fund offerings in Europe, Uniswap entered the lending space, and SpaceX reduced its crypto exposure.

    Bitcoin ETF Inflows Surge

    According to SoSoValue, U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs saw total net inflows of $211.49 million. BlackRock’s IBIT led with $170.35 million in daily inflows, bringing its historical total to $60.76 billion. Fidelity’s FBTC followed with $19.58 million, reaching a cumulative $9.97 billion. The total net asset value of Bitcoin spot ETFs now stands at $78.26 billion, with an ETF net asset ratio of 6.06% and historical cumulative net inflows of $51.71 billion.

    BlackRock Tokenizes $311 Billion in European Money Market Funds

    On August 4, 2026, BlackRock introduced 12 tokenized share classes tied to six of its Institutional Cash Series (ICS) money market funds in Europe. This marks the firm’s first tokenized fund access in the region. The six funds collectively hold $311 billion in assets under management as of June 30, 2026. Only the tokenized share class operates on blockchain, and BlackRock expects initial adoption to be modest, growing as institutional investors opt in.

    Uniswap Launches Decentralized Lending Service

    Uniswap expanded its DeFi ecosystem with the launch of Earn, a lending product developed in partnership with Morpho. Users can deposit USDC, USDT, and Ether into professionally managed lending vaults to earn passive income. Assets are supplied to borrowers through Morpho’s decentralized lending markets, with interest returned to depositors. Users retain custody and can withdraw funds at any time. This reflects a broader trend of decentralized exchanges evolving into comprehensive financial platforms.

    SpaceX Reduces Crypto Holdings by $539 Million

    Space Exploration Technologies Corp. reported that the carrying value of its digital assets fell from $1.637 billion at the end of 2025 to $1.098 billion in Q2 2026, a 33% decline. The company did not specify whether the reduction resulted from asset sales, price movements, or both. Despite this, SpaceX’s total revenue reached $7.8 billion for the period, exceeding Wall Street estimates of $6.81 billion.

    Strategy-Linked Wallet Moves 1,030 BTC

    On-chain analytics platform Lookonchain identified a wallet linked to Strategy transferring 1,030 Bitcoin (worth approximately $66.14 million) on August 5. This occurred two days after Strategy disclosed a Bitcoin sale, but the company has not confirmed whether the latest transfer was a sale. Strategy’s most recent SEC filing reported holdings of 842,138 BTC as of August 2.

    FAQs

    1. How much money flowed into Bitcoin spot ETFs?
    According to SoSoValue, U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded $211.49 million in net inflows. BlackRock’s IBIT led with $170.35 million, followed by Fidelity’s FBTC with $19.58 million.

    2. What did BlackRock announce for its European funds?
    BlackRock introduced 12 tokenized share classes linked to six Institutional Cash Series money market funds. The funds collectively manage $311 billion in assets, though only the tokenized share classes operate on blockchain.

    3. What is Uniswap’s new lending service?
    Uniswap launched Earn, a decentralized lending product developed with Morpho. Users can deposit USDC, USDT, and ETH into lending vaults to earn passive income while maintaining custody of their assets.

    4. Why did SpaceX’s crypto holdings decline?
    SpaceX reported that the carrying value of its digital assets fell from $1.637 billion to $1.098 billion in Q2 2026. The company did not disclose whether the decline resulted from asset sales, price movements, or both.

    5. Did Strategy sell another 1,030 Bitcoin?
    Not necessarily. Lookonchain identified a wallet linked to Strategy transferring 1,030 BTC, but the company has not confirmed it was a sale. An on-chain transfer alone does not establish ownership changes or transaction purpose.

    Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Cryptocurrencies are risky assets; conduct your own research before investing.

  • SpaceX’s First Earnings Report: Starlink Profits, AI Spending, and Starship’s Future

    SpaceX’s First Earnings Report: Starlink Profits, AI Spending, and Starship’s Future

    SpaceX is set to release its first quarterly earnings report since its blockbuster initial public offering, giving investors a detailed look at whether the company’s financial performance can sustain Elon Musk’s ambitious expansion into artificial intelligence and space technology. The results, due after the market closes on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, are expected to reveal how effectively Starlink’s profits can fund growing investments while justifying SpaceX’s lofty valuation.

    Starlink Remains the Financial Backbone

    Analysts project Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite internet division, will report around $3.82 billion in revenue and $1.42 billion in operating profit for the second quarter, fueled by subscriber growth and expansion into new markets. However, investors are increasingly questioning whether Starlink alone can finance the company’s rapidly rising spending on AI infrastructure and next-generation space projects.

    “Starlink is executing beautifully, but it cannot single-handedly fund a $30 billion annualized AI capex program,” said Will Rhind, founder and CEO of GraniteShares, an asset manager offering ETFs tied to SpaceX stock performance.

    AI Spending and Capital Costs in Focus

    Wall Street will closely monitor SpaceX’s capital expenditure, forecast to reach nearly $14.05 billion during the April–June quarter. A significant share of that investment is tied to AI ambitions, including compute infrastructure, advanced software development, and future data center projects. While analysts expect the AI segment’s revenue to nearly triple to $2.33 billion, many believe profitability could take much longer because of the substantial investment required. Overall, SpaceX is expected to report approximately $6.93 billion in second-quarter revenue but an operating loss of about $1.55 billion.

    “The key question for investors is whether SpaceX can monetize its AI infrastructure through third-party compute fast enough to offset xAI’s extraordinary capital intensity,” said Michael Monaghan, portfolio manager of the Founders 100 ETF (FFF.Z), which holds SpaceX shares.

    Starship Progress Could Shape Long-Term Outlook

    Beyond financial results, investors will also look for updates on Starship, the reusable rocket central to SpaceX’s long-term growth strategy. Starship is expected to support future Starlink expansion, NASA’s Artemis Moon missions, and potential space-based computing infrastructure. Recent tests successfully deployed upgraded Starlink V3 satellites, although the Super Heavy booster did not complete its planned splashdown.

    According to analysts, the future progress of Starship is crucial for SpaceX to retain investor confidence as it balances significant expenses with future growth. Given the questions surrounding AI investments, profitability, and upcoming share lock-up expirations, this earnings report is among the most important events for SpaceX since it became a publicly traded company.

  • SpaceX Stock Drops to New Low Despite Starship Flight Success

    SpaceX Stock Drops to New Low Despite Starship Flight Success

    SpaceX shares fell to a record low on Monday, even after the company’s Starship completed its most successful test flight yet. The stock dipped below $109 before closing 1.4% lower at $113.50, extending a decline that began after its IPO in June.

    Investors are now looking beyond launch milestones. They are focused on whether Starship can achieve high flight rates, safe returns, and cost-effective operations to support SpaceX’s long-term ambitions.

    Starship Achieves Key Flight Milestones

    Starship lifted off from Starbase, Texas, on Friday during its 13th test flight. The mission deployed 20 next-generation Starlink V3 satellites, completed an engine relight in space, and ended with the upper stage making a controlled splashdown in the Indian Ocean.

    SpaceX spokesperson Dan Huot expressed excitement during the livestream, calling the mission ‘lucky number 13.’ The spacecraft remained intact after landing, providing engineers with valuable heat shield data from reentry.

    However, the Super Heavy booster did not complete its planned landing sequence. Five engines failed to restart during the landing burn, causing the booster to hit the Gulf of Mexico harder than intended. SpaceX did not plan to recover either vehicle.

    The mission followed an engine-ignition abort on July 16 and a weather delay on July 23. Elon Musk said SpaceX may attempt to catch the Starship upper stage with its launch tower during Flight 14, pending a thorough data review.

    SpaceX Stock Continues Post-IPO Decline

    SpaceX stock closed at $115.07 on Friday before the launch, after falling 2.7% during the session and 7.2% over the week. Monday’s decline pushed shares further below the company’s $135 initial public offering price.

    The stock has lost nearly half its value since reaching a post-IPO high above $225 in June. Short sellers have built positions during the decline, while investors question the company’s valuation and spending plans.

    Alex Morris, CEO of F/m Investments, said the shares could move into ‘double digits.’ He acknowledged SpaceX’s strong product and limited direct competition but attributed some volatility to the company’s growing focus on artificial intelligence.

    SpaceX plans to report second-quarter results on August 4. The release will give investors their first detailed look at quarterly revenue, costs, cash usage, Starlink growth, and spending across space and AI operations.

    Starship Becomes Central to Future Plans

    SpaceX is shifting its launch strategy toward Starship and away from Falcon 9. Reports indicate the company has turned away some satellite operators seeking dedicated Falcon 9 launches after 2028 and stopped accepting new rideshare reservations for later missions.

    The company has also reduced production of some non-reusable Falcon components. This shift makes Starship’s reliability, reuse, and launch rate critical to operations, as Falcon 9 supports commercial launches and much of the Starlink deployment schedule.

    Investors are monitoring the cost of repairing Starship after reentry and the turnaround time between flights. SpaceX aims to increase launch frequency sharply, but each test carries technical risk and can face hardware or weather delays.

    SpaceX has not confirmed a date for Flight 14. Any tower-catch attempt depends on the company’s review of Flight 13 data, including engine performance, reentry conditions, heat shield results, and splashdown control before approving the next flight.

  • Amazon Aims to Launch Satellite-to-Smartphone Service by 2028

    Amazon Aims to Launch Satellite-to-Smartphone Service by 2028

    Amazon is preparing to take smartphone connectivity beyond traditional mobile networks. The tech giant has proposed a satellite-based direct-to-device (D2D) service that could allow compatible smartphones to make calls, send messages, and access mobile data even in areas without cellular coverage.

    According to filings submitted to the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Amazon plans to deploy a constellation of up to 5,105 low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites under its Amazon Leo initiative. If approved, the rollout is expected to begin in 2028.

    Unlike Amazon’s existing satellite broadband service, which requires dedicated ground equipment, the new system is designed to connect directly with compatible smartphones. The company says the network will complement, rather than replace, existing mobile infrastructure.

    Voice Calls, Messaging and Emergency Services

    The following services would include calling, messaging, mobile internet, and emergency services. Amazon plans to partner with telecom providers globally to enable connectivity in areas where it is not easy to build mobile network infrastructure. According to the company, this technology may prove useful for industries like logistics and IoT applications.

    How the Satellite Network Will Work

    Amazon’s system of satellites will be operating in five different orbital planes to offer coverage not only to inhabited zones but also to high and near-polar latitudes. L-band and S-band frequencies will enable communication between the smartphones and the satellites. Ka-band and V-band frequencies will connect the satellites to the internet via ground infrastructure. Additionally, Amazon intends to process the network traffic in space, thus decreasing potential signal interference.

    India Among Key Focus Markets

    Amazon has identified India as one of its priority markets as it expands its satellite ambitions. The company has cited India’s rapidly growing digital economy and the need to improve connectivity in underserved regions as key reasons for its interest. The proposal also intensifies competition in the fast-growing satellite connectivity market, where companies including SpaceX, AST SpaceMobile and Lynk Global are developing direct-to-smartphone services. If approved, Amazon’s network would mark another step towards making satellite communication a mainstream feature for future smartphones.