FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has publicly criticized Amazon's satellite division, Project Kuiper, amid its dispute with SpaceX over proposed megaconstellations. Carr urged Amazon to address its own significant delays in deploying its Kuiper constellation, which is reportedly falling nearly 1,000 satellites short of its July 30th deployment milestone. Amazon has requested an extension until July 30, 2028, to meet this requirement.
Carr stated on X that Amazon should "focus on the fact that it will fall roughly 1,000 satellites short of meeting its upcoming deployment milestone, rather than spending their time and resources filing petitions against companies that are putting thousands of satellites in orbit." While arguments exist for both SpaceX and Amazon regarding their orbital concerns, SpaceX's Starship rocket could accelerate its satellite deployment. However, SpaceX's application for 1 million satellites raises valid safety and orbital management questions due to incomplete data.
Carr's public endorsement of SpaceX's position is notable, as regulatory officials are generally expected to remain impartial.