What happened with the initial launch of Amazon's Project Kuiper?
Since ULA canceled the launch of 27 internet satellites last week, there has been a notable silence about it.
Amazon intends to compete with SpaceX's internet service, Starlink, by using thousands of satellites from the Project Kuiper in low Earth orbit. The inaugural launch of these satellites was scheduled for April 9 on a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida. However, adverse weather conditions forced the cancellation of the planned launch. Since then, there has been little information on the matter, and it is unclear when the rocket will be able to take off.
Recently, some reports indicated that the launch could now take place on April 14 at 7 p.m. ET, although ULA has not confirmed this on its official platforms or social media. For now, those interested will have to wait for an official announcement from ULA. Attempts have been made to contact the space company for more details, and an update will be provided once there is a response.
Like Starlink's service, Project Kuiper aims to provide fast and reliable internet globally through a constellation of low-orbit satellites, including to underserved and unserved communities. In this first launch, an initial batch of 27 Project Kuiper satellites is expected to take off. While this number is the maximum that the Atlas V rocket can carry in a single flight, the new Vulcan rocket can transport up to 45 Amazon satellites in a single mission.
Additionally, Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket will be used for deploying Project Kuiper satellites, providing Amazon with several options to expand its constellation. Project Kuiper's goal is to complete a constellation of over 3,200 satellites by 2029, in order to provide global broadband coverage and effectively compete with Starlink. However, Starlink's larger fleet and initial technological advantage may allow SpaceX to maintain a competitive position over Project Kuiper at least until the early 2030s.
