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Amazon’s highly anticipated Project Kuiper, an ambitious venture to establish a space-based internet network, has finally secured a new launch date for its initial fleet of internet satellites.
Amazon Project Kuiper Satellite Launch Set for April 28
Following several weeks of postponements, the inaugural launch of 27 satellites for Amazon’s Project Kuiper constellation is now slated for April 28. United Launch Alliance (ULA), the rocket manufacturer, confirmed the launch will utilize an Atlas V rocket. The liftoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time (2300 GMT) from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
ULA stated on Friday, April 18th, that “This launch marks the dawn of a new era in the commercial space launch sector as Amazon and ULA collaborate to deploy the initial set of their cutting-edge satellites into low Earth orbit (LEO).”
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Kuiper 1 Mission Details
This mission, designated Kuiper 1, represents the first of 83 planned launches for Amazon’s Project Kuiper broadband constellation initiative. The project’s objective is to deploy over 3,200 satellites in orbit, creating a space-based network for high-speed internet access. While Kuiper 1 will utilize a powerful Atlas V rocket from ULA, future Kuiper satellite deployments are also planned on Arianespace’s Ariane 6, ULA’s Vulcan Centaur, and Blue Origin’s New Glenn rockets. Amazon previously launched two prototype Kuiper satellites in 2023 as a precursor to the Kuiper 1 mission.
Launch Delays and Range Availability
ULA’s initial attempt to launch Kuiper 1 for Amazon was on April 9th, but unfavorable weather conditions caused a postponement. Subsequently, the company cited the need to secure an available launch window from the U.S. Space Force’s Eastern Range, the airspace used for launches from Florida.
“”Range availability,”” explained ULA CEO Tory Bruno in response to repeated inquiries on platform X regarding the cause of the launch delay.”
Launch Window
ULA has specified a two-hour launch window on April 28th for the Kuiper 1 mission for Amazon.