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Amazon’s Project Kuiper broadband internet constellation is beginning to take form, with the initial group of satellites recently deployed into orbit. This launch marks the first of 80 planned launches aimed at positioning all 3,236 Project Kuiper satellites into low-Earth orbit, a strategic initiative designed to challenge SpaceX’s dominant Starlink satellite internet service.
The United Launch Alliance (ULA) employed its Atlas V rocket to carry the first 27 Kuiper satellites, launching from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at 7 PM ET on April 28th. This attempt followed a postponed launch originally scheduled for April 9th due to unfavorable weather conditions.
“This initial launch is just the first step in a long process to establish our low Earth orbit constellation, but it signifies a tremendous amount of innovation and dedication,” stated Amazon CEO Andy Jassy on X. “I am incredibly proud of the whole team’s effort.”
The satellites were positioned 280 miles (450 kilometers) above the Earth, and Amazon has reported successful activation and communication with ground systems. The company aims to provide “high-speed, low-latency” satellite internet to consumers “later this year,” contingent on further successful deployments.
“This launch signifies the first step towards our ongoing partnership and increased launch frequency,” said ULA CEO Tory Bruno in a post-launch statement. “We have been enhancing our launch facilities at Cape Canaveral to accommodate future Project Kuiper missions, ultimately benefiting both our commercial and governmental clientele as we aspire to save lives, explore the cosmos, and connect communities.”
The ambitious $10 billion Project Kuiper initiative, announced in 2019, faces a deadline set by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission to deploy 1,618 satellites by mid-2026—this constitutes half of the proposed constellation but is a fraction compared to the over 7,200 Starlink satellites already operational. In related news, SpaceX recently completed its 50th Starlink mission of 2025, achieving a remarkable milestone with 250 dedicated Starlink launches to date. The company aims to position 12,000 Starlink satellites in orbit and has received regulatory approval for an expansion to 34,400 satellites.
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www.theverge.com