Latest news with #KA-01
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Launch doubleheader recap: Live updates from ULA Amazon, SpaceX Starlink liftoffs at Cape Canaveral
Launch doubleheader recap: Scroll down to review live updates from the Monday, April 28, back-to-back liftoffs of a United Launch Alliance Atlas V on the KA-01 mission and a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on the Starlink 12-10 mission from Cape Canaveral. Original story: Prepare for a launch doubleheader tonight: A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket and a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket should lift off back-to-back from Florida's Space Coast. Welcome to FLORIDA TODAY Space Team live coverage of a unique Amazon Project Kuiper-Starlink launch doubleheader within a 3½-hour span. First, ULA's Atlas V — which was outfitted with five solid rocket boosters — lifted off at 7:01 p.m. from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and deployed Amazon's first production batch of 27 Project Kuiper broadband satellites into low-Earth orbit. Next up, SpaceX is targeting 10:34 p.m. to launch a Falcon 9 carrying 23 Starlink satellites from pad 39A at NASA's neighboring Kennedy Space Center. That rocket will track to the southeast. The Space Force's 45th Weather Squadron predicts a 75% chance of favorable weather for SpaceX's upcoming nighttime liftoff, with cumulus clouds and anvil clouds posing threats. Cape Canaveral: Is there a launch today? Upcoming SpaceX, NASA rocket launch schedule at Cape Canaveral Countdown Timer SpaceX Falcon 9 booster lands on drone ship Update 10:42 p.m.: The Falcon 9 first-stage booster just landed aboard SpaceX's drone ship A Shortfall of Gravitas in the Atlantic Ocean, wrapping up its first mission. Liftoff! Update 10:34 p.m.: Liftoff! SpaceX has just launched the Falcon 9 carrying 23 Starlink satellites from KSC, illuminating the nighttime sky. SpaceX launch webcast begins Update 10:28 p.m.: SpaceX's launch webcast is now posted above, right below our countdown clock. Liftoff is scheduled in six minutes from pad 39A at KSC. SpaceX Falcon 9 to launch in 14 minutes Update 10:20 p.m.: Fourteen minutes before SpaceX's Falcon 9 lifts off, the countdown appears to be proceeding as planned. Rocket fueling remains well underway. Following is a list of key remaining countdown milestones. T-minus: 7 minutes: Falcon 9 begins engine chill prior to launch. 1 minute: Command flight computer begins final prelaunch checks; propellant tank pressurization to flight pressure begins. 45 seconds: SpaceX launch director verifies 'go for launch.' 3 seconds: Engine controller commands engine ignition sequence to start. 0 seconds: Falcon 9 liftoff. New SpaceX booster to land on drone ship Update 10:10 p.m.: Tonight's mission marks the Falcon 9 first-stage booster's maiden flight, SpaceX reported. Following stage separation, crews expect this new booster to land on the SpaceX drone ship A Shortfall of Gravitas in the Atlantic Ocean 8 minutes, 15 seconds after liftoff. A SpaceX Falcon 9 booster reaches Port Canaveral just after sunrise in August 2021 on the SpaceX drone ship A Shortfall of Gravitas. SpaceX Falcon 9 fueling is now underway Update 10:02 p.m.: Falcon 9 fueling procedures are now underway at pad 39A, as evidence by white vapor billowing from the rocket. That means the Starlink mission countdown is locked in to lift off at 10:34 p.m. without any delays, or else tonight's launch must be postponed to a later date. Starlink launch to be 36th of year from Space Coast Update 9:50 p.m.: SpaceX's upcoming Falcon 9 launch will become the 36th orbital rocket launch thus far during 2025 from KSC and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Click here for the FLORIDA TODAY Space Team's updating log of these missions, complete with photo galleries and story links. SpaceX Falcon 9 launch countdown Update 9:35 p.m.: Here's a rundown of SpaceX's upcoming behind-the-scenes Falcon 9 launch countdown timeline. T-minus: 38 minutes: SpaceX launch director verifies 'go' for propellant load. 35 minutes: Rocket-grade kerosene and first-stage liquid oxygen loading begins. 16 minutes: Second-stage liquid oxygen loading begins. 7 minutes: Falcon 9 begins engine chill prior to launch. 1 minute: Command flight computer begins final prelaunch checks; propellant tank pressurization to flight pressure begins. 45 seconds: SpaceX launch director verifies 'go' for launch. 3 seconds: Engine controller commands engine ignition sequence to start. 0 seconds: Liftoff. SpaceX celebrates 250th Starlink mission Update 9:19 p.m.: SpaceX notched its 250th dedicated Starlink launch Sunday night from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. SpaceX launched another Starlink mission this afternoon from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. Tonight's upcoming liftoff stands to become No. 252. ULA: Atlas V 'precisely delivers' Amazon's satellites Update 9 p.m.: ULA issued a post-launch press release with this subheadline: "Atlas V precisely delivers the first grouping of operational broadband satellites for Amazon's Project Kuiper constellation." 'This launch is an incredible milestone in Amazon's ambitious initiative to provide fast, reliable broadband service to unserved and underserved communities around the world,' Gary Wentz, ULA vice president of government and commercial programs, said in the release. 'We have worked diligently with the Project Kuiper team to place this important mission on orbit and are grateful for the opportunity to continue building upon this dynamic partnership," Wentz said. Next, ULA plans to launch seven more Project Kuiper missions using Atlas V rockets before transitioning to 38 more launches using Vulcan rockets. SpaceX launch prep underway in Brevard Update 8:48 p.m.: Brevard County Emergency Management officials have activated the agency's launch operations support team ahead of SpaceX's upcoming Falcon 9 launch. Space Force: SpaceX launch could be threatened by clouds Update 8:40 p.m.: Following are details from the 45th Weather Squadron's forecast for SpaceX's upcoming Falcon 9 launch: "Moist onshore flow in the proximity of the (frontal) boundary and a likely seabreeze collision will leadto scattered showers and possibly a few thunderstorms during the afternoon and evening across central Florida. These are expected to gradually weaken during the late evening hours on Monday," the forecast said. "Winds behind this boundary will increase some but are still likely to remain below wind constraints. Thus, the main weather threats for the primary launch opportunity are cumulus clouds associated with nearby showers and any lingering anvil clouds from remnant thunderstorms," the forecast said. Photo shows Atlas V side boosters jettisoning Update 8:25 p.m.: FLORIDA TODAY Photographer/Videographer Craig Bailey captured this image of the five solid rocket boosters jettisoning during the Atlas V's ascent into low-Earth orbit. Boosters are jettisoned from a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket after launch from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Video: Atlas V rocket lifts off from Cape Canaveral Update 7:42 p.m.: Check out this ULA video of the fiery Atlas V launch. ULA recaps Project Kuiper mission, ends live coverage Update 7:27 p.m.: In a final live update, ULA officials provided a recap of today's liftoff: "The seven-hour countdown started at 12:10 p.m. EDT under the guidance of ULA Launch Conductor Scott Barney. The pad crew completed final preps at the complex and then cleared the area for fueling. The 'go' for cryogenic tanking was given by ULA Launch Director Eric Richards at 4:43 p.m. Tanking operations were successfully performed as 66,000 gallons of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen were placed into the rocket. "The clear to launch was given at 6:55 p.m. EDT to enter terminal count, which resulted in liftoff. "Today's launch is the first of 46 missions that ULA will perform for Amazon to deploy a majority of the Project Kuiper satellite constellation. Amazon will use eight launches of the Atlas V rocket and 38 launches of the Vulcan rocket to deliver its satellites into space." Mission 'in good shape' 15 minutes after liftoff Update 7:20 p.m.: A ULA update: "T+plus 15 minutes. Now one quarter-of-an-hour since launch. Centaur systems remain in good shape as the stage continues to power toward orbit with the first satellites of Amazon's Project Kuiper." Atlas V solid rocket boosters jettison Update 7:05 p.m.: ULA officials confirmed that the five solid rocket boosters have separated. "T+plus 1 minute, 50 seconds. Solid rocket booster jettison is confirmed. The Northrop Grumman-made GEM 63 motors have successfully separated from the Atlas V first stage, having completed their job," a ULA update said. "Atlas V will soon transition to closed-loop guidance, following SRB separation, to aim the trajectory towards a precise point in space," the update said. "The rocket continues towards orbit on the power of its main engine and will more than triple its speed in the two minutes remaining in first stage flight," the update said. Liftoff! Update 7:01 p.m.: Liftoff! The ULA Atlas V with five solid rocket boosters has lifted off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. ULA: Atlas V rocket is 'go for launch' Update 6:57 p.m.: The final readiness poll results: "Go for launch." Liftoff is scheduled in four minutes. Nine minutes before Atlas V liftoff from Cape Update 6:52 p.m.: The ULA launch countdown continues proceeding toward liftoff. "Kuiper 1 will mark the 250th flight of a Centaur upper stage on an Atlas rocket. The Atlas Centaur combination has successfully launched spacecraft across the solar system, including 8 trips to Mars, delivered dozens of other scientific and weather satellites, carried critical assets into space for U.S. national security, and enabled commercial missions including launching astronauts in support of NASA's Commercial Crew Program," a ULA update said. Atlas V rocket fully fueled for launch Update 6:48 p.m.: ULA just reported all three Atlas V cryogenic tanks have been topped off to flight level. "Upper level winds have been verified acceptable for launch," a ULA update said. Rocket launch target time moved to 7:01 p.m. Update 6:42 p.m.: ULA has pushed back the target launch time one minute, to 7:01 p.m. This Atlas V graphic depicts potential visibility for launch spectators across much of the eastern United States, ranging from 30 seconds to 6½ minutes after liftoff along the ascending rocket's flight path. ULA Project Kuiper launch webcast begins Update 6:35 p.m.: ULA's launch webcast is now posted above, right below our countdown clock. Liftoff is scheduled in 25 minutes from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Will cumulus cloud cause a launch delay? Update 6:28 p.m.: A cumulus cloud off the Atlantic Ocean is approaching Launch Complex 41, ULA officials warned six minutes ago. "The weather team is interrogating the cumulus cloud coming off the ocean and headed toward the pad. It likely would cause a NO GO status on the weather," a ULA update said. Atlas V Centaur liquid hydrogen filling is complete Update 6:20 p.m.: ULA announced the Centaur upper-stage liquid hydrogen tank is filled ahead of launch. "Topping mode is now underway to give us a rocket weighing 1.29 million pounds (587,000 kg) for launch. The cryogenics will be replenished throughout the countdown until the final minutes before launch to replace the liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen that naturally boils away," a ULA update said. ULA Atlas V launch prep underway in Brevard Update 6:10 p.m.: Brevard County Emergency Management officials have activated the agency's launch operations support team ahead of ULA's upcoming Atlas V launch. ULA making 2nd Atlas V launch try after April 9 scrub Update 6 p.m.: As a reminder, this Amazon Project Kuiper mission was initially scheduled to lift off nearly three weeks ago, on April 9. However, cumulus clouds kept encroaching the 10-mile safety ring surrounding Launch Complex 41. And the launch got scrubbed. Odds of 'go for launch' weather increase to 80% Update 5:51 p.m.: In a significant update, the 45th Weather Squadron has upped the odds of favorable launch weather from 70% to 80% when the two-hour window opens at 7 p.m. Those odds dip to 65% by the end of the launch window. In a 5:40 p.m. tweet, ULA President and CEO Tory Bruno noted that an anvil cloud is approaching the Cape. "L- 1hr 22 min. Board is green. Working no issues. Wind is good. Anvil cloud heading our way. Everybody face west and aggressively exhale," Bruno said. ULA releases Atlas V Project Kuiper video Update 5:45 p.m.: Check out ULA's video below that details tonight's upcoming mission. Fueling of the first-stage liquid oxygen tank has hit the 60% mark, ULA reported. Amazon details Project Kuiper customer terminals Update 5:35 p.m.: In a fact sheet, Amazon officials provided the following descriptions of the three primary customer terminals for the future Project Kuiper satellite internet network: Our compact model is less than 11 inches square and delivers speeds up to 400 megabits per second (Mbps). We can produce it for less than $400 and expect to bring the cost down further. Our enterprise-grade model is a full-duplex antenna that measures 19 inches by 30 inches. It can deliver speeds up to 1 gigabit per second for demanding enterprise, government, and telecommunications applications. Our ultra-compact model is 7 inches square — about the size of a Kindle — and delivers speeds up to 100 Mbps. United Launch Alliance officials shared this image of Amazon's Project Kuiper payload before it was stacked atop an Atlas V rocket. Amazon launch to be 35th of year from Space Coast Update 5:25 p.m.: ULA's upcoming Atlas V launch will become the 35th orbital rocket launch thus far during 2025 from KSC and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. A bit later, tonight's SpaceX's upcoming Falcon 9 liftoff will clock in at No. 36. Click here for the FLORIDA TODAY Space Team's updating log of these missions, complete with photo galleries and story links. Atlas V rocket fueling is underway Update 5:15 p.m.: ULA crews are loading about 4,150 gallons of liquid oxygen into the rocket's Centaur upper stage. "The liquid oxygen — chilled to Minus-298 degrees F — will be consumed during the launch by the Centaur's single RL10A-4-2 engine along with liquid hydrogen to be pumped into the stage a little later in the countdown," a ULA blog post said. Amazon video explains Project Kuiper Update 5:04 p.m.: Check out Amazon's video below detailing Project Kuiper, the future constellation of 3,232 satellites in low-Earth orbit. ULA crews preparing to fuel Atlas V rocket Update 4:47 p.m.: The launch countdown is underway behind the scenes, and ULA reported that cryogenic tanking operations are expected to begin soon. For the latest news and launch schedule from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and NASA's Kennedy Space Center, visit Rick Neale is a Space Reporter at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Neale at Rneale@ Twitter/X: @RickNeale1 Space is important to us and that's why we're working to bring you top coverage of the industry and Florida launches. Journalism like this takes time and resources. Please support it with a subscription here. This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Florida launch doubleheader: Live updates from Amazon, Starlink liftoffs
Fox News
30-04-2025
- Science
- Fox News
Amazon takes on Elon Musk, launching 27 internet satellites
Imagine being able to access the internet from anywhere in the world, whether you're in a city or a remote area. For many of us, reliable internet is a given, but for millions, it remains a luxury. That's why Amazon's Project Kuiper is making headlines with its ambitious plan to bridge the digital divide. On April 28, 2025, the project took a monumental step forward by successfully launching its first full batch of satellites into orbit. This mission, named "KA-01" (Kuiper Atlas 1), marked the beginning of Amazon's journey to deliver fast, affordable internet to underserved communities and remote regions worldwide. Join the FREE "CyberGuy Report": Get my expert tech tips, critical security alerts and exclusive deals, plus instant access to my free "Ultimate Scam Survival Guide" when you sign up! The KA-01 mission deployed 27 advanced satellites into low Earth orbit at an altitude of 280 miles (450 kilometers). This launch transitioned Project Kuiper from prototype testing to full-scale deployment. Each satellite was equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including phased array antennas for high-speed data transmission, advanced processors, electric propulsion systems for orbit adjustments and optical inter-satellite links to enable seamless communication between satellites. In addition to their technical sophistication, the satellites featured a unique dielectric mirror coating designed to scatter sunlight and reduce their visibility from Earth, a thoughtful innovation aimed at addressing concerns by astronomers about light pollution. To carry out this historic mission, United Launch Alliance (ULA) launched its Atlas V rocket in its most powerful configuration. The KA-01 payload was the heaviest ever flown on an Atlas V rocket. The launch vehicle included five solid rocket boosters alongside its main booster and a massive payload fairing measuring 77 feet in height and 16.4 feet in width. The successful deployment of these satellites was just the first of many planned launches. Over the coming years, ULA will conduct additional missions using both Atlas V and Vulcan Centaur rockets. Amazon has also partnered with other launch providers, including SpaceX, Blue Origin and Arianespace, to deploy more than 3,200 satellites as part of its first-generation constellation. Following the recent launch, ULA managed the initial deployment sequence from its Advanced Spaceflight Operations Center at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. Once the satellites separated from the rocket, control was transferred to Project Kuiper's mission operations center in Redmond, Washington. Each satellite underwent a series of automated steps to activate onboard systems and began using electric propulsion to ascend to its final orbital altitude of 392 miles. Traveling at speeds exceeding 17,000 miles per hour, these satellites now circle Earth approximately every 90 minutes. The ultimate goal of KA-01 was not just deployment but to establish end-to-end network connectivity. This involves transmitting data through ground stations to satellites and back to customer antennas, a process that will enable high-speed internet service across even the most remote locations on Earth. The successful KA-01 mission was just the beginning for Project Kuiper. With more than 80 launches secured across multiple providers, Amazon is ramping up satellite production and deployment rates in preparation for delivering service later this year. The next mission, KA-02, is already in progress and will also use a ULA Atlas V rocket launched from Cape Canaveral. By deploying advanced satellite technology at scale, Project Kuiper aims to provide reliable internet access to millions of people who currently lack connectivity, empowering individuals and transforming communities worldwide. Amazon's Project Kuiper and SpaceX's Starlink are at the forefront of the satellite internet revolution, aiming to provide high-speed connectivity to underserved and remote areas. While both systems share similarities, such as using low Earth orbit satellites for reduced latency, they differ in key aspects like satellite design, pricing and service goals. Starlink: With over 7,000 satellites already in orbit and plans for a constellation of up to 42,000, Starlink currently leads in deployment. Its satellites orbit at approximately 248 miles, allowing for lower latency but requiring more satellites for global coverage. Project Kuiper: Kuiper plans to deploy over 3,200 satellites orbiting at 311 miles. This higher altitude provides broader coverage per satellite but results in a 40% reduction in signal strength compared to Starlink due to increased distance. To compensate, Kuiper's satellites use larger antennas to maintain performance. Starlink: Offers speeds ranging from 50 Mbps to 250 Mbps for standard plans and up to 1 Gbps for premium users. Latency is typically 20 to 40 milliseconds. Kuiper: Plans to offer three tiers of service: Starlink: It currently charges $599 for its standard receiver and $2,500 for its high-performance model. Monthly service costs range from $80 to $120. Kuiper: Amazon's standard receiver is expected to cost less than $400 to produce, significantly undercutting Starlink's hardware prices. While service pricing has not been announced, Amazon's cost-efficient production suggests it could offer more affordable options. Starlink: Already operational with millions of subscribers worldwide and a head start in deployment. See if it is available in your area by clicking here. Kuiper: Amazon began satellite launches in early 2025 with its first batch of satellites on April 9, 2025. It plans to start customer service later this year. Under FCC requirements, it must deploy half its constellation by mid 2026. It's still early days for Project Kuiper, but Amazon's first full-scale satellite launch shows just how serious the company is about closing the connectivity gap. While Starlink may have a head start, Kuiper is bringing fresh competition and innovation to the table. If all goes according to plan, millions more people around the world could soon have access to fast, affordable internet, no matter where they live. Are you excited or skeptical about the idea of global internet coverage from space? Let us know by writing us at For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Follow Kurt on his social channels: Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions: New from Kurt: Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
United Launch Alliance rocket delivers Amazon satellites to orbit after Florida liftoff: Photos
Amazon has officially begun building its broadband internet service in orbit with the delivery of the first batch of its Kuiper satellites. The 27 satellites billionaire Jeff Bezos' company deployed April 28 following a rocket launch from Cape Canaveral, Florida, are the first of thousands that will eventually comprise its new constellation. The venture would be a direct challenge to Elon Musk and SpaceX, the billionaire's spaceflight company that has spent six years building up its powerful Starlink satellite network for customers worldwide. The launch even took place on the same night that SpaceX notched its 250th Starlink launch from Cape Canaveral. Amazon's $10 billion plans, known as Project Kuiper, will ultimately include more than 3,200 satellites in what's called low-Earth orbit – an altitude that allows for things like satellites to circle Earth fairly quickly. Floridians across the Cape and beyond gathered to watch the evening launch as the cargo was delivered atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Here's a recap of the launch, along with a look at some photos: The Atlas V rocket from ULA – a joint venture between Boeing and Lockheed Martin – got off the ground right on time at 7:01 p.m. ET Monday, April 28, 2025. The Atlas V was equipped with five solid rocket boosters for added liftoff power in addition to its main booster to accommodate the heaviest payload it's ever flown. Following liftoff, the rocket helped deploy the satellites at an altitude of 280 miles above Earth. The satellites then autonomously used their electric propulsion systems to ascend to 392 miles high, where they can orbit Earth once every 90 minutes, according to Amazon. Bad weather scrubbed an initial launch attempt on April 9. The mission, named 'KA-01' for Kuiper Atlas 1, is just the first to deliver a batch of satellites as part of Amazon's Project Kuiper to provide high-speed internet to customers around the globe. The satellites – Amazon's largest deployment to date – were significantly upgraded following an October 2023 launch of two prototype Kuiper satellites, according to the company. Amazon's Kuiper service seeks to rival SpaceX, which has long led the way in satellite launches, having launched more than 6,700 operational Starlink satellites into orbit since 2019. Amazon has touted the service as one that will benefit "unserved and underserved communities" in rural areas where internet access may be elusive. Amazon has already confirmed initial contact with all of the satellites from its mission operations center in Redmond, Washington. "Initial deployment and activation sequences are proceeding nominally," Amazon said in a mission update. "We'll have subsequent updates to share as the mission unfolds." The launch is just the first of about 80 in the years ahead as Amazon continues to amass its satellite constellation in low-Earth orbit. If all goes as planned, the company said it expects to "begin delivering service to customers later this year." The United Launch Alliance, based in Colorado, will deploy a majority of the satellites on its Atlas V and Vulcan Centaur rockets. Amazon is also planning to contract with Arianespace and SpaceX as Blue Origin, which Bezos also owns, develops its massive New Glenn rocket for Kuiper deliveries. ULA could launch up to five more Kuiper missions this year, ULA CEO Tory Bruno told Reuters in an interview this month. Amazon said in a 2020 FCC filing that it could begin service in some northern and southern regions at 578 satellites, with coverage expanding toward Earth's equator as the company launches more satellites. Contributing: Rick Neale, Florida Today; Reuters Eric Lagatta is the Space Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at elagatta@ This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Florida Amazon rocket launch photos: Kuiper satellites on way to orbit
Mint
29-04-2025
- Business
- Mint
Amazon's Project Kuiper internet network satellites: How much will it cost? Can it compete with SpaceX Starlinks?
Amazon has begun the full-scale deployment of its Project Kuiper satellite internet network. Now, all eyes are on the assembly of Amazon's "big new satellite-internet constellation" that, reports say, will rival SpaceX's Starlink. Amazon, a company that Bezos started as an online bookseller decades ago, launched the first batch of 27 internet satellites for its "Kuiper" broadband internet constellation on Monday. The mission was called Kuiper Atlas 1 or KA-01. It was launched on a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket, and deployed 27 satellites at an altitude of 280 miles (450 kilometers) above Earth. Reuters reported that the launch kicked off Amazon's long-delayed $10 billion effort to build a global internet network to rival SpaceX's Starlink. The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) granted Amazon a license in July 2020 to deploy and operate Project Kuiper satellites. This has spiralled into the latest battle of the billionaires — Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk – in space. The project aims to provide another option for remaining connected in the modern world. The United Launch Alliance's Atlas V rocket carried up 27 of Amazon's Project Kuiper satellites from Florida into low-Earth orbit on Monday. Once released in orbit, the satellites will eventually reach an altitude of nearly 400 miles (630 kilometers). The satellites were lofted into space at 7 pm EDT pm from the launch pad at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Bad weather had scrubbed an initial launch attempt on April 9. Founded by Jeff Bezos, who now runs his own rocket company Blue Origin, Amazon aims to put more than 3,200 of these satellites into orbit to provide fast, affordable broadband service around the globe. Project Kuiper is an Amazon's initiative to increase global broadband access through a constellation of more than 3,000 satellites in low Earth orbit. Amazon has already secured more than 80 launches to deploy that initial constellation, with each one adding dozens of satellites to the network. Monday's KA-01 mission is just the first step in that process. The project aims to provide "fast, affordable broadband to communities around the world". This network is expected to serve a wide range of customers, including schools, hospitals, businesses, government agencies, and others operating in places without reliable connectivity or that need more flexible, resilient communications capabilities Project Kuiper's initial satellite constellation design includes 3,232 satellites, the website states. The term 'constellation' refers to a group of similar satellites working together with tightly coordinated movements to achieve a common purpose — "in this case, providing reliable broadband coverage." Amazon's website says that the company's ultra-compact model provides speeds of up to 100 megabits per second (Mbps), the standard model delivers up to 400 Mbps, and the largest model, which is intended for enterprise, government, and telecommunications applications, delivers up to 1 gigabit per second (Gbps). In comparison, Starlink users typically experience download speeds between 25 and 220 Mbps, with a majority of users experiencing speeds over 100 Mbps. Amazon hasn't announced pricing details yet, but affordability is a key principle of Project Kuiper, the website says. Meanwhile, rival Starlink, and other global satcom companies have globally priced satellite internet plans at $10-500 per month, excluding the one-time cost for hardware (which is around $250-380). This, as per JM Financial, is 7-18 times more expensive than Indian telcos' home broadband plans, which start from $5-7 per month. Over the next few years, Kuiper and ULA teams will conduct seven more Atlas V launches and 38 launches on ULA's larger Vulcan Centaur rocket. An additional 30-plus launches are also planned across other launch providers: Arianespace, Blue Origin, and SpaceX. "We have already begun shipping and processing satellites for our next mission: KA-02 will also use a ULA Atlas V rocket and launch from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station," Amazon says. Kuiper is arguably Amazon's biggest bet underway, pitting it against Starlink as well as global telecommunications providers like AT&T and T-Mobile. Amazon Executive Chairman Jeff Bezos earlier exuded confidence that Kuiper can compete with Starlink, telling Reuters in a January interview "there's insatiable demand" for internet. "There's room for lots of winners there. I predict Starlink will continue to be successful, and I predict Kuiper will be successful as well," Bezos was quoted by Reuters as saying. "It will be a primarily commercial system, but there will be defense uses for these LEO constellations, no doubt," he added, referring to low-Earth orbit. Amazon's launch on Monday was the first of more than 80 planned launches to build out the Project Kuiper constellation, which will eventually harbour more than 3,200 satellites. "That's a big number, but it won't set a record," reported. Notably, SpaceX's Starlink broadband network currently consists of more than 7,200 operational spacecraft. Elon Musk's SpaceX has already launched more than 8,000 Starlinks since 2019. According to the Associated Press, the company marked its 250th Starlink launch Sunday night. More than 7,000 Starlinks are still in orbit some 300-plus miles (550 kilometers) above Earth, the report added. But Starlink, perhaps, is Project Kuiper's biggest competitor, and is growing all the time. SpaceX's deployment pace has hastened to at least one Starlink mission per week, each rocket with roughly two-dozen satellites on board to expand the network's bandwidth and replace outdated satellites, Reuters reported. That quick pace has helped Musk's company amass more than 5 million internet users across 125 countries, upend the global satellite communications market and woo military and intelligence agencies that have sought to use Starlink and its manufacturing line for sensitive national security programs. Meanwhile, the European-based OneWeb satellite constellation numbers in the hundreds in an even higher orbit First Published: 29 Apr 2025, 02:03 PM IST
USA Today
27-04-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Amazon to launch 1st satellites into orbit: What to know about Project Kuiper
Amazon to launch 1st satellites into orbit: What to know about Project Kuiper Project Kuiper, a subsidiary of billionaire Jeff Bezos' Amazon, is meant to one day rival the satellite constellation that SpaceX founder Elon Musk's Starlink has been building in orbit for years. Show Caption Hide Caption Watch zero gravity inside Blue Origin space flight with Katy Perry Katy Perry, Gayle King and four other women experienced zero gravity as they reached the edge of space on Blue Origin. Amazon is preparing to launch its debut batch of satellites into orbit as it seeks to establish its own internet service for customers worldwide. Project Kuiper, a subsidiary of billionaire Jeff Bezos' online commerce behemoth, is meant to one day rival the satellite constellation that SpaceX founder Elon Musk's Starlink has been building in orbit for years. Those $10 billion plans could be put in motion as early as Monday, April 28 with the first of about 80 rocket launches to deploy a total of around 3,200 Amazon's satellites hundreds of miles above Earth. Establishing the internet constellation may require a series of rocket launches to get the satellites into space, but the initiative is seperate from Bezos' Blue Origin spaceflight company. The first delivery of 27 Kuiper satellites will pave the way in the years ahead for Amazon to build a satellite broadband network in what's called low-Earth orbit – an altitude that allows for things like satellites to circle Earth fairly quickly. Here's everything to know about Project Kuiper and the upcoming launch: When is the Amazon launch? Amazon will send 27 Kuiper satellites into low Earth orbit no earlier than 7 p.m. ET on Monday, April 28. A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket has a two-hour launch window ending at 9 p.m. to get off the ground from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. Following the liftoff, the rocket will help to deploy the satellites at an altitude of 280 miles above Earth. The satellites will then autonomously use their electric propulsion systems to ascend to 392 miles high, where they can orbit Earth once every 90 minutes, according to Amazon. United Launch Alliance will manage the launch and deployment until all of the satellites have separated from the rocket. At that point, Amazon's Kuiper team will take control of the constellation, which they will manage from an operations center in Redmond, Washington. What is Amazon's Project Kuiper? The mission, named 'KA-01' for Kuiper Atlas 1, will be just the first to deliver a batch of satellites into low-Earth orbit as part of Amazon's Project Kuiper to provide high-speed internet to customers around the globe. In October 2023, United Launch Alliance sent two Amazon Project Kuiper prototype satellites into space via an Atlas V rocket. This time, though, the satellites have not only been significantly upgraded, but represent the largest deployment for Amazon, the company said. 'We've designed some of the most advanced communications satellites ever built, and every launch is an opportunity to add more capacity and coverage to our network,' Project Kuiper Vice President Rajeev Badyal said in a statement. "This is just the start of our journey, and we have all the pieces in place to learn and adapt as we prepare to launch again and again over the coming years.' The first-generation satellite system will include more than 3,200 advanced low-Earth orbit satellites, which will be delivered across more than 80 launches in the coming years. The United Launch Alliance, a launch service provider based in Colorado, will deploy a majority the satellites on its Atlas V and Vulcan Centaur rockets. However, Amazon is also planning to contract with Arianespace, SpaceX and Blue Origin – which Bezos also owns – for orbital deliveries. Jeff Bezos to compete with SpaceX, Elon Musk Bezos' Blue Origin company is increasingly becoming a major player in the commercial space arena, competing with the likes of Elon Musk's SpaceX for NASA's business, as well as the business of other private companies. SpaceX's reusable Falcon 9 rocket has become one of the most active in the world – a go-to for NASA and even other private companies launching spacecraft into orbit. Musk's commercial space transportation company also leads the way in satellite launches, having launched more than 6,000 operational Starlink satellites into orbit since 2019. Amazon's Project Kuiper subsidiary is hoping to compete with Starlink in that market with an internet service of its own. How to watch Amazon launch Project Kuiper satellites Amazon and the United Launch Alliance will provide a livestream of the launch that will begin approximately 20 minutes ahead of liftoff. The webcast will be available here. What states may be able to see the ULA rocket launch? The satellite delivery will be the heaviest payload the United Launch Alliance's Atlas V rocket has ever flown. To accommodate it, the Atlas V will be equipped with five solid rocket boosters for added liftoff power in addition to its main booster and a payload fairing containing the satellites, making it 77 feet high. For that reason, there's a chance people beyond Florida – including in states as far north as New York or Indiana – could see the launch vehicle light up the night sky. The United Launch Alliance released a helpful graphic showing where and when spectators could see it in certain parts of the U.S., which Florida Today, A USA TODAY Network publication, broke down here.
