Launch of Amazon’s Kuiper Internet Satellites Delayed by Bad Weather

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — The planned launch of Amazon‘s first 27 Project Kuiper internet satellites has been postponed due to severe weather conditions. The United Launch Alliance (ULA) announced on Wednesday night, October 4, 2023, that the launch could not proceed as scheduled due to “stubborn cumulus clouds” and heavy winds that rendered the launch window untenable.

Originally set to take off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, the Atlas V rocket’s countdown was interrupted as adverse weather hampered preparations. “Weather is observed and forecast NO GO for liftoff within the remaining launch window at Cape Canaveral this evening,” ULA stated.

Amazon’s Project Kuiper, intended to sell high-speed, low-latency internet access to consumers, corporations, and governments, aims to place a constellation of over 3,200 satellites in low Earth orbit. The mission marks a significant investment from Amazon into satellite technology as it seeks to compete directly with established players like SpaceX‘s Starlink.

Amazon first unveiled its satellite internet initiative six years ago, with commercial service expected to commence later this year. The company’s ambitious plans come with a regulatory deadline imposed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which mandates that at least half of its total constellation, or 1,618 satellites, be operational by July 2026.

ULA had forecasted a 55 percent chance for favorable launch weather, with “cumulus cloud rule” and strong winds posing potential threats. After adjustments, the projected weather conditions worsened, ultimately leading to the launch cancellation and highlighting the unpredictable nature of space missions. Following the weather update, ULA’s launch director reiterated, “The stubborn cumulus clouds and persistent winds make liftoff not possible within the available window.”

Once cleared to launch, the Atlas V rocket intends to ascend in a north-easterly direction, with ULA utilizing its most robust rocket configuration. The mission, referenced as Kuiper 1, is critical for Amazon, as it strives to rapidly deploy its satellite network.

In a press release, Rajeev Badyal, vice president of Technology for the Kuiper Satellite Network, expressed confidence in the project, stating, “Every launch is an opportunity to add more capacity and coverage to our network.” The project aims not only to enhance commercial internet access but also to provide advanced solutions for government and enterprise sectors through established partnerships.

Amazon has procured a total of 46 launches from ULA for its Kuiper satellite initiatives, including eight further missions aboard Atlas V rockets. A new launch date is anticipated to be announced soon as project teams work to resolve the weather-related delays.

As the industry watches closely, the outcome of the next launch attempts for Project Kuiper will be instrumental in establishing Amazon’s future in the competitive satellite internet landscape.