Amazon is preparing to launch the first batch of operational satellites for Project Kuiper on April 9, which aims to build a global broadband network powered by more than 3,200 satellites in low-Earth orbit.
The mission, officially named KA-01 (Kuiper Atlas 1), will see 27 satellites lifted into space aboard a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida next week. Liftoff is scheduled for 12 p.m. ET, and the launch will be streamed live on ULA’s website.
While this is the first launch of operational satellites, it follows the successful tests of two prototype satellites launched in late 2023.
Once this initial launch is complete, Amazon will have plenty of work ahead to meet the requirements of its FCC license, which stipulates the retail giant is required to have at least half of its satellite fleet, roughly 1,618 satellites, in orbit by July 2026. To help meet this deadline, Amazon has secured over 80 launch contracts from ULA, SpaceX, Arianespace, as well as Blue Origin, owned by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.
Amazon announced Project Kuiper in 2019, and is their direct answer to SpaceX’s Starlink, which has already deployed more than 7,000 satellites and serves over 5 million customers.
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Amazon plans to continue ramping up production at its Kirkland, Washington facilities, with satellites already in preparation for subsequent launches. The second launch, KA-02, will also utilize a ULA rocket and launch from Floria. No date has been set for the second launch. The company expects to begin beta testing of its Kuiper broadband service soon, before rolling out commercial service later this year.
