Amazon’s Starlink Rival Struggles to Ramp Up Satellite Production
A mission to launch Project Kuiper satellites was scrubbed on April 9.
Photographer: Miguel J. Rodriguez Carrillo/Getty ImagesAmazon.com Inc.’s internet-from-space venture is struggling to ramp up production, jeopardizing its ability to meet a government deadline to have more than 1,600 satellites in orbit by next summer.
Project Kuiper has completed just a few dozen satellites so far, more than a year into its manufacturing program, according to three people familiar with the situation. The slow pace, combined with rocket launch delays, means the company will probably have to seek an extension from the Federal Communications Commission, said the people, who requested anonymity to discuss confidential matters.