Amazon Races to Catch SpaceX: Reportedly in Advanced Talks to Acquire GlobalStar

Amazon is in deep negotiations to acquire satellite operator GlobalStar, with a deal potentially being announced as early as Tuesday, according to sources familiar with the matter. If successful, the acquisition would bolster Amazon's satellite capabilities as it maneuvers to challenge SpaceX’s dominant Starlink network.

Insiders caution that a final agreement has not yet been reached. Negotiations could still collapse, or the timing of the announcement may shift. Over the past year, GlobalStar's stock price has nearly tripled, bringing its market capitalization to approximately $9.4 billion.

The Battle for Low Earth Orbit

This move signals an intensifying rivalry between Amazon and Elon Musk’s SpaceX. Starlink currently boasts over 10 million active users and approximately 10,000 satellites in orbit, with projected revenues exceeding $9 billion this year.

Amazon is developing its own low Earth orbit (LEO) network, known as Amazon Leo, aiming to deploy over 7,700 satellites to provide high-speed internet to remote regions. The service is currently undergoing limited enterprise testing.

However, the Leo project is facing significant headwinds. Amazon is under a regulatory mandate to launch 1,616 satellites by July 2026, but as of February 2026, only 180 are in orbit. The company has petitioned the FCC for a waiver or extension of this deadline.

Strategic Synergies and Spectrum Assets

Analyst John Davies suggests that integrating GlobalStar could accelerate Amazon's timeline. While smaller than Starlink, GlobalStar is a fully functional, operational network specialized in connecting mobile devices in low-coverage areas, notably supporting Apple’s emergency SOS features on iPhones.

"GlobalStar also brings distinct spectrum rights that could be invaluable to the Leo project," Davies added. This acquisition would provide Amazon with immediate operational infrastructure and critical frequency assets to bridge the gap with its aerospace rival.