Amazon Successfully Launches Satellites for Project Kuiper
Amazon has successfully completed its first satellite launch for Project Kuiper, the company’s ambitious plan to establish its own orbital internet network. A pair of test satellites were aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket that lifted off from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on Friday. The launch footage, posted on X (formerly Twitter) by ULA, showed the rocket taking off just after 2 p.m. ET.
If all goes well, the two satellites will be deployed at an altitude of 311 miles above the ground and remain in low Earth orbit for testing. These prototypes are just a fraction of the 3,200-plus satellites that Amazon plans to build and deploy over the next six years.
Project Kuiper is Amazon’s direct challenge to Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet from SpaceX, which already has thousands of satellites in orbit, providing internet to over a million customers across multiple countries. Amazon CEO Andy Jassy has emphasized that the Kuiper satellite service will be a vital part of the company’s future business.
Initially, the plan was for Kuiper’s first launch to take place on ULA’s newest Vulcan Centaur launch vehicle, which uses engines built by Blue Origin, a company headed by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. However, for this test launch, it was instead mounted on an Atlas V rocket. ULA’s next launch is expected to be the first with the Vulcan rocket.
As for when consumers can start using Amazon’s internet service, the company aims to launch its operational satellites in the first half of next year. Beta testing for commercial customers is also planned in the near future. Amazon’s goal is to make affordable broadband services available to consumers, government, healthcare, businesses, and various organizations, especially in areas with limited access to fast and reliable internet. In addition, Project Kuiper terminals can be rapidly deployed in the event of natural disasters or emergencies to bolster internet infrastructure.
Amazon has partnered with to expand their 4G and 5G networks, allowing customers in those regions to access Amazon’s satellite internet service once it becomes available. Furthermore, Vodafone and Vodacom will install Project Kuiper infrastructure alongside their cellular towers. More information on signing up for the service in other parts of the world will be revealed closer to the beta launch.
With the successful test launch of its satellites, Amazon’s Project Kuiper inches closer to its goal of revolutionizing global internet connectivity.