Amazon to launch first two satellites in planned orbital internet service

Test satellites for Project Kuiper network, which will compete with Elon Musk’s Starlink, planned to launch Friday afternoon

Amazon is poised to launch its first two prototype satellites into space on Friday, as Jeff Bezos’ tech giant races to compete with Elon Musk’s SpaceX in building a mega-constellation of broadband internet-providing satellites.

The test satellites are set to launch from Florida’s Cape Canaveral space force station during a two-hour window that opens at 2pm EDT (6pm GMT).