AWS re:Invent 2025 - Architecting resilient global networks with Amazon Leo (ARC320)
Source: Dev.to
Overview
Amazon Leo (formerly Project Kuiper) is a satellite‑internet service that will provide global connectivity using a low‑Earth‑orbit (LEO) constellation. The service targets sub‑50 ms latency and up to 1 Gbps downlink speeds, with terminals ranging from “Pro” to “Nano” and “Ultra”. Integration with AWS services (IAM, CloudWatch, EventBridge, Direct Connect, Transit Gateway, etc.) enables enterprise use cases such as backup connectivity, SD‑WAN, private networking, OT/SCADA, and mobility for aviation and maritime.
Constellation Architecture
- Satellites: > 3,200 satellites planned in three orbital shells at 590 – 630 km altitude, traveling ~17,800 mph.
- Inter‑satellite links: Laser‑based links provide high‑speed routing between satellites.
- Ground segment: A global network of ground gateways receives and forwards traffic to the AWS global network.
- Terminals: Phased‑array antennas (Pro, Nano, Ultra) are hardened for outdoor deployment and can be used on‑the‑go from a backpack.
Deployment Status
- Current fleet: 153 satellites launched to date (as of the 2025 re:Invent presentation).
- Launch cadence: Every ~6 weeks, 24‑27 satellites per launch.
- Future cadence: Increasing launch frequency in 2026 with larger rockets (Blue Origin New Glenn, Ariane 6, ULA Vulcan Centaur).
- Service availability: Planned commercial launch in 2026.
Orbital Mechanics
Satellites are placed in inclined orbits that spend more time over higher latitudes (the “tops and bottoms” of the Earth). Coverage expands outward from initial launch sites (e.g., New Zealand) toward the equator, meaning service rollout will be faster in regions closer to the orbital “sweet spots”.
Challenges Addressed
| Environment | Typical Issues | Leo Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Urban (near fiber) | Fiber outages from storms, limited ISP redundancy | Hardened outdoor terminals provide resilient backup; portable terminals enable on‑demand connectivity. |
| Suburban | Fewer ISP options; physical damage to infrastructure can cut service | Rapid‑deployment terminals deliver connectivity faster than traditional repairs. |
| Rural / Remote (agriculture, mining) | High cost, limited bandwidth, critical operations | High‑throughput, low‑latency satellite links bring near‑fiber performance to remote sites. |
| Mobility (aircraft, maritime) | Constantly changing coverage, need for seamless handoff | Global LEO coverage with inter‑satellite routing ensures continuous connectivity. |
Enterprise Use Cases
- Backup Connectivity – Automatic failover to Leo for on‑premises sites.
- SD‑WAN Integration – Extend SD‑WAN overlays over satellite links for remote branches.
- Private Networking – Connect Direct Connect or Transit Gateway to Leo terminals for isolated, high‑performance links.
- Industrial OT/SCADA – Secure, low‑latency connectivity for remote sensors and control systems.
- Aviation & Maritime – Global coverage for in‑flight and at‑sea communications.
AWS Integration
- IAM Temporary Delegation – Secure, short‑lived credentials for terminal provisioning and management.
- CloudWatch Metrics – Real‑time performance and health monitoring of satellite links and terminals.
- EventBridge – Automated event‑driven workflows for link status changes, alerts, and scaling actions.
- Security – End‑to‑end envelope encryption and MACsec for data‑in‑flight protection.
Summary
Amazon Leo combines a massive LEO satellite constellation with deep AWS service integration to deliver fiber‑like performance worldwide. With a planned launch in 2026 and a growing fleet of satellites, Leo aims to address connectivity gaps across urban, suburban, rural, and mobile environments, offering resilient, high‑speed internet backed by AWS’s security and monitoring capabilities.