Amazon reportedly in talks to acquire satellite firm Globalstar

Globalstar currently operates a constellation of 48 first-generation LEO satellites and 24 second-generation spacecraft, with plans for a third-generation fleet to support Apple and a larger future constellation. Amazon itself is developing its own satellite internet constellation, Amazon Leo (formerly Project Kuiper), with over 200 satellites already in orbit. Late last year, it was reported that Globalstar was exploring the sale of the company, with SpaceX speculated as a prospective buyer. Globalstar provides connectivity services to more than 120 countries. Amazon Leo sought a 24-month extension to its satellite rollout due to launch shortages. The company had agreed to deploy 1,600 satellites by July 2026, half of its planned 3,236 satellite constellation. Failure to do so would risk losing its US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) license to operate the network. Earlier this month, Amazon called on the US FCC to reject SpaceX’s recent million-data-center-satellite proposal. Amazon described SpaceX’s plans as a “lofty ambition,” and a “speculative placeholder,” yet argued that it “risks real harm.” SpaceX is seeking to operate a constellation of up to 1 million Starlink satellites. Amazon said such a constellation would likely dim the visibility of stars on the surface of Earth.