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Amazon’s entry into the space-based internet market through its Project Kuiper initiative experienced a setback Wednesday. Inclement weather conditions compelled the postponement of the launch for the first satellites in its planned internet constellation. This delay affects the company’s endeavor to establish a competitive presence in satellite broadband services.
Launch Attempt Postponed Due to Weather
A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket was poised to deploy the initial set of 27 Project Kuiper internet satellites into orbit from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on April 9. However, persistent cloud cover in proximity to the launch site triggered a delay, as confirmed by ULA officials.
“It is confirmed that we will not proceed with today’s launch operations for Amazon Project Kuiper 1,” stated ULA launch commentator Caleb Weiss during a live broadcast. “We will coordinate with our partners at the U.S. Space Force Space Launch Delta 45 to determine the timing of our next launch opportunity.”
Unfavorable weather conditions plagued ULA’s launch attempt for Amazon throughout the designated two-hour launch window, which commenced at 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (2300 GMT). While launch controllers addressed minor technical considerations, the primary concern was the presence of thick cumulus clouds and rain within a 10-mile radius of the launch pad. These conditions violated established weather safety protocols, according to ULA representatives.
Amazon’s Project Kuiper: Aims for Space-Based Internet
Project Kuiper is Amazon’s initiative to rival SpaceX’s Starlink megaconstellation in delivering high-speed internet access across the globe. Amazon intends to construct a network of 3,200 broadband satellites in the years to come, with the objective of securing a significant position in the expanding space-based internet industry.
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Diverse Launch Partners
While ULA is facilitating these initial Project Kuiper launches, Amazon has broadened its launch strategy by engaging multiple service providers for the project’s deployment. These include ULA’s advanced Vulcan Centaur rocket, Arianespace launch systems, Blue Origin’s New Glenn vehicle, and SpaceX’s Falcon series of rockets.
Previous Prototype Mission
Amazon previously launched two prototype Kuiper satellites during a test flight in October 2023. This successful trial mission paved the way for these inaugural operational satellite deployments, demonstrating advancement towards a complete satellite constellation.