SpaceX to attempt Starship’s first orbital flight with Starlink V3 satellites
Amazon’s launch delays leave its mid-2026 commercial service target behind, with no new date announced.
SpaceX is set to launch its first batch of 26 next-generation Starlink V3 satellites on Starship, which it will also try to place in Earth orbit for the first time. The flight comes as Amazon’s Leo broadband constellation remains effectively stuck, with no launches in the 12 weeks since 29 satellites rode a ULA Atlas V on July 2nd. Amazon has only 396 Leo satellites in space against more than 11,000 Starlink satellites, and even Starlink has added 552 spacecraft since Amazon’s last deployment. Vulcan, New Glenn, and Ariane 6 — the main rockets Amazon is counting on after Atlas V retires — are all grounded or delayed, forcing Amazon to add six more Arianespace A64 launches (now 24 total) while still facing disruptions through the rest of 2026. Amazon has already secured an FCC deadline extension to get half of its planned 3,232 satellites up, and its self-imposed “mid-2026” commercial launch target has slipped with no new date, suggesting Starlink’s lead in global LEO broadband could widen for years.
Why it matters
For people following the satellite-broadband race, Amazon’s delays give SpaceX more time to extend its lead before Leo begins commercial service. With launch disruptions expected through the rest of 2026 and no updated service date, when Amazon can start competing at scale remains unclear.
Series Starship first orbital flight
- SpaceX Starship reaches low Earth orbit on 14th flight
- SpaceX Starship hits orbit for first time and deploys Starlink satellites
- SpaceX to attempt Starship’s first orbital flight with Starlink V3 satellites
- SpaceX completes Starship rehearsal ahead of planned first orbital test
- SpaceX sets date for Starship’s first orbital mission with Starlink payload
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