SpaceX is preparing a Starship flight that could put its first 26 upgraded Starlink V3 satellites into orbit, while also attempting to send Starship into orbit for the first time. The launch highlights the widening gap with Amazon’s Leo satellite internet service, whose deployment has stalled amid problems at several launch providers.

Amazon has 396 Leo satellites in orbit, compared with more than 11,000 Starlink satellites in operation; Starlink has launched 552 satellites since Amazon’s last successful deployment on 2 July. ULA’s Vulcan rocket, Blue Origin’s New Glenn and Arianespace’s Ariane 6 all face delays or grounding, despite Amazon adding six Ariane 6 launches to its contracts. Amazon’s deadline to begin limited commercial service in mid-2026 has passed without an update, and it has received more time to meet the requirement to launch half of its planned 3,232 satellites.