United Launch Alliance has not had a rocket lift off since last fall, but its first one of 2025 is set to open the gates for dozens planned to proliferate Amazon’s internet satellite constellation Project Kuiper.
An Atlas V rocket is targeting liftoff at 7 p.m. from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station’s Space Launch Complex 41 on the Kuiper 1 mission carrying 27 of the satellites. The launch window runs through 9 p.m.
AMAZON HAS contracted with ULA to fly up seven more batches on the few remaining Atlas V rockets in ULA’s stable as well as an additional 38 on ULA’s new Vulcan rocket. It also has dozens more contracted to fly on Blue Origin, Arianespace and even some SpaceX launches.
It’s part of Amazon’s effort to get 3,232 satellites into low-Earth orbit by 2029, and compete with the likes of SpaceX’s Starlink service.
Amazon’s license from the Federal Communications Commission requires half of the satellites be placed in orbit by July 31, 2026.
So far, Amazon has flown two test satellites — in late 2023. That paved the way, though, for operational hardware production at company facilities in Washington. Also in the works is a new satellite processing facility at an 80-acre site at the Kennedy Space Center’s former Shuttle Landing Facility.
Amazon expects to begin satellite internet service to customers before year’s end.
