Amazon Advances with ‘Project Kuiper’ Satellite Launch
Amazon has launched the first 27 satellites of its much-anticipated “Project Kuiper” on Monday from Florida, marking the beginning of its plan to deploy a total of 3,236 low-Earth orbit satellites aimed at delivering global broadband internet service. The development was reported by Reuters.
The satellites were sent into orbit aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The initial launch attempt on April 9 had to be aborted due to adverse weather conditions.
Announced in 2019, the $10 billion project positions Amazon in direct competition with Starlink and other major telecom providers, particularly in delivering internet access to rural and underserved regions.
Under regulations set by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission, Amazon is required to launch at least 1,618 satellites by mid-2026.
Amazon stated that if everything proceeds as planned, it expects to begin customer service by the end of this year. An additional five Kuiper missions are anticipated in 2025.
