Latest news with #KuiperAtlas1
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.
Daily Tribune
29-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Amazon set for launch of Starlink-rival satellites
TDT | Washington After delaying an earlier attempt due to bad weather, Amazon is preparing to launch its first batch of Project Kuiper internet satellites on Monday, stepping into direct competition with Elon Musk's Starlink. The mission, called Kuiper Atlas 1, is scheduled to lift off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida at 7:00 pm local time (2300 GMT), aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket that will carry 27 satellites into orbit. Weather conditions appeared 75 percent favorable. Project Kuiper, a subsidiary of the online retail giant founded by Jeff Bezos, is playing catch-up with Starlink -- SpaceX's sprawling network of internet satellites that has reshaped the sector and handed Musk significant geopolitical clout. The $10 billion initiative plans to deploy 3,200 satellites into low Earth orbit -- the region of space up to 1,200 miles (1,900 kilometers) above the planet -- with hopes of going live later this year. Pricing has not yet been revealed, but Amazon has pledged it will align with its reputation as a low-cost retailer. With Monday's launch, Amazon will formally enter a crowded and fast-growing field that includes not just Starlink but other emerging players in the satellite internet race. SpaceX launched the first batch of Starlink satellites in 2019 and now boasts more than 6,750 operational units, serving over five million customers worldwide -- by far the sector's dominant force. Starlink has also provided crucial internet access in disaster and war zones, including Morocco after its devastating 2023 earthquake and on the frontlines in Ukraine's war against Russia. Amazon plans to accelerate launches in the coming months and years, with more than 80 flights booked through United Launch Alliance (a Boeing-Lockheed Martin joint venture), France's Arianespace, Bezos's own Blue Origin, and even Musk's SpaceX. Its satellites will gradually join the swelling ranks of low Earth orbit, alongside Starlink, Europe's OneWeb, and China's Guowang constellation.
NDTV
29-04-2025
- Business
- NDTV
Amazon Launches Internet Satellites To Rival Elon Musk's SpaceX
Cape Canaveral: Amazon on Monday launched its first batch of Project Kuiper internet satellites, marking the start of its push to rival Elon Musk's Starlink. The mission, called Kuiper Atlas 1, lifted off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida at 7:00 pm local time (2300 GMT), aboard a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket that will carry 27 satellites into orbit. A previous attempt was scrubbed earlier this month due to bad weather. Project Kuiper, a subsidiary of the online retail giant founded by Jeff Bezos, is playing catch-up with Starlink -- SpaceX's sprawling network of internet satellites that has reshaped the sector and handed Musk significant geopolitical clout. The $10 billion initiative plans to deploy 3,200 satellites into low Earth orbit -- the region of space up to 1,200 miles (1,900 kilometers) above the planet -- with hopes of going live later this year. Pricing has not yet been revealed, but Amazon has pledged it will align with its reputation as a low-cost retailer. "Atlas V is on its way to orbit to take those 27 Kuiper satellites, put them on their way, and really start this new era in internet connectivity," said ULA's Caleb Weiss. With Monday's launch, Amazon formally enters a crowded and fast-growing field that includes not just Starlink but other emerging players in the satellite internet race. SpaceX launched the first batch of Starlink satellites in 2019 and now boasts more than 6,750 operational units, serving over five million customers worldwide -- by far the sector's dominant force. Starlink has also provided crucial internet access in disaster and war zones, including Morocco after its devastating 2023 earthquake and on the frontlines in Ukraine's war against Russia. Amazon plans to accelerate launches in the coming months and years, with more than 80 flights booked through United Launch Alliance (a Boeing-Lockheed Martin joint venture), France's Arianespace, Bezos's own Blue Origin, and even Musk's SpaceX. Its satellites will gradually join the swelling ranks of low Earth orbit, alongside Starlink, Europe's OneWeb, and China's Guowang constellation. The increasing crowding of this orbital neighborhood has sparked concerns about congestion, potential collisions, and disruptions to astronomical observations. The expanding role of private companies in space has also raised thorny political questions, especially as Musk's influence stretches beyond business into politics and diplomacy. Musk has sent mixed signals on Starlink's future role in Ukraine, where it remains vital to Kyiv's war effort -- a conflict that Musk ally US President Donald Trump has vowed to bring to an end.
Malay Mail
29-04-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Kuiper vs Starlink: Bezos and Musk's space rivalry enters new orbit
CAPE CANAVERAL, April 29 — Amazon yesterday launched its first batch of Project Kuiper internet satellites, marking the start of its push to rival Elon Musk's Starlink. The mission, called Kuiper Atlas 1, lifted off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida at 7:00 pm local time (2300 GMT), aboard a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket that will carry 27 satellites into orbit. A previous attempt was scrubbed earlier this month due to bad weather. Project Kuiper, a subsidiary of the online retail giant founded by Jeff Bezos, is playing catch-up with Starlink — SpaceX's sprawling network of internet satellites that has reshaped the sector and handed Musk significant geopolitical clout. The US$10 billion (RM43.3 billion) initiative plans to deploy 3,200 satellites into low Earth orbit — the region of space up to 1,200 miles (1,900 kilometres) above the planet — with hopes of going live later this year. Pricing has not yet been revealed, but Amazon has pledged it will align with its reputation as a low-cost retailer. 'Atlas V is on its way to orbit to take those 27 Kuiper satellites, put them on their way, and really start this new era in internet connectivity,' said ULA's Caleb Weiss. With yesterday's launch, Amazon formally enters a crowded and fast-growing field that includes not just Starlink but other emerging players in the satellite internet race. SpaceX launched the first batch of Starlink satellites in 2019 and now boasts more than 6,750 operational units, serving over five million customers worldwide — by far the sector's dominant force. Starlink has also provided crucial internet access in disaster and war zones, including Morocco after its devastating 2023 earthquake and on the frontlines in Ukraine's war against Russia. Amazon plans to accelerate launches in the coming months and years, with more than 80 flights booked through United Launch Alliance (a Boeing-Lockheed Martin joint venture), France's Arianespace, Bezos's own Blue Origin, and even Musk's SpaceX. Its satellites will gradually join the swelling ranks of low Earth orbit, alongside Starlink, Europe's OneWeb, and China's Guowang constellation. The increasing crowding of this orbital neighbourhood has sparked concerns about congestion, potential collisions, and disruptions to astronomical observations. The expanding role of private companies in space has also raised thorny political questions, especially as Musk's influence stretches beyond business into politics and diplomacy. Musk has sent mixed signals on Starlink's future role in Ukraine, where it remains vital to Kyiv's war effort — a conflict that Musk ally US President Donald Trump has vowed to bring to an end. — AFP
Al Etihad
29-04-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Amazon launches first Starlink-rival internet satellites
29 Apr 2025 09:41 Cape Canaveral (AFP)Amazon on Monday launched its first batch of Project Kuiper internet satellites, marking the start of its push to rival Elon Musk's mission, called Kuiper Atlas 1, lifted off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida at 7:00 pm local time (2300 GMT), aboard a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket that will carry 27 satellites into orbit.A previous attempt was scrubbed earlier this month due to bad Kuiper, a subsidiary of the online retail giant founded by Jeff Bezos, is playing catch-up with Starlink -- SpaceX's sprawling network of internet satellites that has reshaped the sector and handed Musk significant geopolitical $10 billion initiative plans to deploy 3,200 satellites into low Earth orbit -- the region of space up to 1,900 kilometers above the planet -- with hopes of going live later this has not yet been revealed, but Amazon has pledged it will align with its reputation as a low-cost retailer."Atlas V is on its way to orbit to take those 27 Kuiper satellites, put them on their way, and really start this new era in internet connectivity," said ULA's Caleb Monday's launch, Amazon formally enters a crowded and fast-growing field that includes not just Starlink but other emerging players in the satellite internet launched the first batch of Starlink satellites in 2019 and now boasts more than 6,750 operational units, serving over five million customers worldwide -- by far the sector's dominant has also provided crucial internet access in disaster and war zones, including Morocco after its devastating 2023 earthquake and on the frontlines in Ukraine's war against plans to accelerate launches in the coming months and years, with more than 80 flights booked through United Launch Alliance (a Boeing-Lockheed Martin joint venture), France's Arianespace, Bezos's own Blue Origin, and even Musk's satellites will gradually join the swelling ranks of low Earth orbit, alongside Starlink, Europe's OneWeb, and China's Guowang constellation. The increasing crowding of this orbital neighborhood has sparked concerns about congestion, potential collisions, and disruptions to astronomical observations.
