SpaceX has filed a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) against Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) over violations of orbital debris mitigation requirements for its Leo satellite internet service.
Dispensing Satellites Higher Than Stipulated
In a letter to the agency on Wednesday, SpaceX accused Amazon of violating its approved debris mitigation plan by “dispensing satellites 50-90 km higher than authorized and without adequate coordination or information sharing,” adding that the violations pose a threat to other systems.
Amazon didn’t immediately respond to Benzinga‘s request for comment.
SpaceX alleged that the approval says the e-commerce giant would place its satellites at an altitude of nearly 400km, but Amazon “launched eight times into orbits with insertion altitudes above 450 km without submitting any amended orbital
debris mitigation plan,” SpaceX said. The company also accused Amazon of not providing “sufficiently accurate ephemerides to facilitate post-deployment deconfliction.”
Starlink satellites had to execute “30 collision avoidance maneuvers” within hours of Amazon’s launch on February 12, 2026, which led to “unmitigable collision risks with dozens of operational spacecraft.”
Amazon Urges FCC To Prevent SpaceX’s Million Satellites Plan
Meanwhile, Amazon had earlier written to the FCC, urging the agency to reject SpaceX’s proposal to launch a million satellites, citing concerns over feasibility and potential orbital congestion. The company had also sought an extension from the FCC to deploy the Leo satellites.
Amazon’s position in the satellite internet race could further be bolstered as the company is reportedly in talks to acquire Apple Inc.-backed (NASDAQ:AAPL) satellite communications company Globalstar Inc. (NASDAQ:GSAT).
Starlink’s 10,000 Satellite Constellation
SpaceX put more than 10,000 active Starlink satellites into orbit, cementing its position as the current leader in the satellite-based internet service sector. The company is also reportedly eyeing a deal with American Airlines Group Inc. (NASDAQ:AAL) to provide its satellite internet on board the flight operator’s aircraft.
Interestingly, American Airlines was also reportedly in talks with Amazon to provide Leo internet on its aircraft, with CEO Robert Isom acknowledging the presence of alternatives to Starlink in the sector. On the other hand, Delta Air Lines Inc (NYSE:DAL) recently signed a deal with Amazon to bring its Leo satellite Wi-Fi to over 500 aircraft in its fleet, with the service rolling out in 2028.
SpaceX IPO
SpaceX’s public debut has been one of the most anticipated events in the industry this year, with the company reportedly eyeing to raise over $75 billion via the IPO. The company has also reportedly filed paperwork for the IPO confidentially with the SEC. What could further boost the IPO are the multiple rule changes adopted by Nasdaq, with new rules letting SpaceX be a part of the index within 15 days after its listing.
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