SpaceX preps next-gen Starlink as Amazon’s competitor stalls

<figure> <img alt="Rocket launching with graphic of constellations." data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="Image: Cath Virginia / The Verge, Getty Images" data-has-syndication-rights="1" src="https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/STKB355_SPACEX_B.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;crop=0,0,100,100" /> <figcaption> </figcaption> </figure> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">SpaceX is gearing up for a monumental flight today that's sure to be closely watched by Amazon. If successful, SpaceX will deploy its first <a href="https://www.theverge.com/news/707940/starlink-aims-to-launch-its-third-generation-satellites-starting-next-year">Starlink V3 satellites</a>, which tout meaningful upgrades to the ever-expanding Starlink constellation. The 26 satellites will be riding atop Starship, which SpaceX will also attempt to deploy into Earth orbit for the first time. The mission arrives amid Amazon's ongoing setbacks with launch partners that are keeping its own Leo satellites grounded, and falling further behind its plan to offer a meaningful rival to Elon Musk's space internet service.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">It's been twelve weeks since Amazon's <a href="https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/innovation-at-amazon/project-kuiper-satellite-rocket-launch-progress-updates">last successful Le …</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.theverge.com/science/1001259/spacex-starlink-satellites-starship-amazon-leo">Read the full story at The Verge.</a></p>