Amazon Shareholders Think SpaceX Should Have Been Picked For Kuiper Launches

Only days ago, a lengthy public suit against Amazon regarding its Project Kuiper decision was filed. Project Kuiper, similar to Starlink, is trying to increase global broadband access through a constellation of over 3,000 satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO). Back in early 2022, Amazon signed and announced significant launch contracts with Blue Origin’s New Glenn, ULA’s Vulcan, and Arianespace’s Ariane 6.

In the suit, however, shareholders claim that Amazon “acted in bad faith” and made no effort to properly discharge their fiduciary duties when picking the launch providers. They primarily claim that SpaceX, the leader within the industry was glossed over and not even considered when making the decision. If that were the case, they would have a valid point considering the cost per launch and timeline these satellites are meant to launch by.

The suit puts a lot of focus on Blue Origin and the relationship between Musk and Bezos. They strongly suggest that SpaceX was excluded from consideration from the Project Kuiper competition because of the rivalry between the two. Here I will go more in-depth into this new lawsuit, what it means for the future launches, its significance, and more.