Amazon’s Project Kuiper Satellite Internet Gears Up for Space Launch After Delays

After experiencing several delays, Amazon’s Project Kuiper satellite internet service is finally set to send its first prototypes into space on Friday, October 6, as confirmed by United Launch Alliance (ULA), Amazon’s partnering organization.

Initially, the prototypes were scheduled to be launched aboard ULA’s Vulcan Centaur rocket, but due to a cancellation, ULA has now announced that the test satellites will be launched using an Atlas V rocket instead. ULA has also released photos showcasing the preparations for integrating Amazon’s payload onto the ULA rocket. These two prototype Project Kuiper satellites arrived at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida the day before the announcement. Workers then lifted the payload into place atop the towering 196-foot Atlas V 501 rocket.

This launch holds significant importance for Amazon as it paves the way for the company to begin providing services to its first Project Kuiper customers next year. However, before Amazon can proceed, it must validate the performance of its internet satellites in space.

According to ULA, “The prototypes of the final Kuiper satellite design will allow Amazon to test its technology in space before commencing full-scale production launches next year.”

Project Kuiper is positioning itself as a competitor to SpaceX’s satellite internet network, Starlink, which is already capable of delivering high-speed internet to users across most areas of the Earth’s surface, with over 2 million customers and a network comprising nearly 4,800 active satellites.

In contrast, Project Kuiper has yet to launch a single satellite. However, Amazon intends to change this status quo in the near future. ULA has outlined Amazon’s plans to employ nine Atlas V launches, along with an additional 38 launches using the upcoming Vulcan Centaur rocket, to deploy its satellites.