Amazon Launches Kuiper Satellites in Historic Space Mission

CAP CANAVERAL, Florida — Amazon‘s Project Kuiper took a significant step forward as the first batch of its broadband satellites prepares for launch today, April 9, 2025. A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket is set to liftoff at 7 p.m. EDT during a two-hour launch window, sending 27 operational Kuiper satellites into low-Earth orbit.

The mission aims to establish Amazon’s broadband megaconstellation, which will consist of approximately 3,200 satellites designed to provide worldwide internet coverage. The live launch coverage will begin at 6:35 p.m. EDT, allowing viewers to watch historical moments as the rocket ascends into the sky.

“Today marks a pivotal moment in our journey toward delivering high-speed broadband for underserved communities globally,” a representative from Amazon stated. “Project Kuiper is not just about connectivity; it’s about breaking barriers and making the internet access universal.”

This first launch is particularly notable as it follows a previous mission that sent two prototype Kuiper satellites into orbit. The newly deployed satellites are fully operational and represent the first deployment in Amazon’s ambitious plan to cover the Earth with internet services.

The ULA Atlas V rocket features five side-mounted boosters, and its launch from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station will be closely monitored, particularly in Ohio, where observers could see the rocket shortly after takeoff. According to ULA estimates, the launch should be visible from parts of Cleveland and Columbus approximately 330 seconds after liftoff, weather permitting.

Jeff Bezos, Amazon’s founder, has made it clear that Project Kuiper is aimed at competing with existing satellite internet services, notably SpaceX‘s Starlink. While Starlink has already launched over 7,000 satellites and is actively providing service, Amazon’s Kuiper awaits clearance to operationalize after launching 578 satellites.

“The connectivity landscape is increasingly competitive, but we are confident in the capabilities of our satellites,” Bezos remarked prior to the launch.

A significant investment of $10 billion has been earmarked for the development and launch of the Kuiper satellites. ULA plans to conduct a total of eight Atlas V launches as part of the project, in addition to 38 missions utilizing the company’s new Vulcan Centaur rocket.

The Federal Communications Commission granted Amazon permission to operate the Kuiper satellite constellation, paving the way for a broader internet service expansion that hopes to connect billions of underserved people. However, the company will not offer retail services until it has a sufficient number of satellites in orbit.

As the countdown to launch continues, excitement about the potential impacts of Project Kuiper grows. The mission is a testament to Amazon’s commitment to innovation in space technology and broadband access.