A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket is scheduled to launch 27 satellites for Amazon's Project Kuiper internet constellation on September 25. The mission will lift off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, with the launch window opening at 8:09 a.m. EDT.
This flight marks the fifth dedicated launch for Project Kuiper, a major initiative by Amazon to provide global broadband internet service from space. The mission aims to significantly expand the number of satellites in the growing constellation.
Key Takeaways
- Mission: Launch of 27 Project Kuiper satellites for Amazon's internet service.
- Provider: The launch will be conducted by United Launch Alliance (ULA) using an Atlas V rocket.
- Location & Time: Liftoff is scheduled for September 25 from Cape Canaveral, Florida, starting at 8:09 a.m. EDT.
- Constellation Progress: This is the fifth launch for the Project Kuiper network, which plans to deploy over 3,200 satellites in total.
Mission Details and Schedule
The launch is set to take place during a 29-minute window that begins at 8:09 a.m. EDT (1209 GMT). ULA will provide a live broadcast of the event, with coverage starting approximately 20 minutes before the scheduled liftoff time.
For this mission, ULA is utilizing the Atlas V 551 configuration. This is the most powerful variant of the Atlas V rocket, distinguished by its five solid rocket boosters attached to the main stage. This configuration provides the necessary thrust to carry the heavy payload of 27 satellites into their initial orbit.
Powerful Rocket for a Demanding Payload
The Atlas V 551 is one of ULA's most capable launch vehicles. The '551' designation signifies a 5-meter payload fairing, five solid rocket boosters, and a single-engine Centaur upper stage. This power is essential for deploying large batches of satellites for megaconstellations like Project Kuiper.
The Project Kuiper Constellation
Project Kuiper is Amazon's ambitious plan to create a satellite internet network in low Earth orbit (LEO). The primary goal is to deliver fast, reliable broadband to unserved and underserved communities around the world.
The completed constellation is designed to consist of approximately 3,200 satellites. This network will compete with other LEO internet services, most notably SpaceX's Starlink. Today's launch will bring the total number of Kuiper satellites in orbit to 129, following two previous Atlas V missions and two Falcon 9 missions that collectively deployed 102 satellites.
What is a Satellite Megaconstellation?
A megaconstellation is a large network of interconnected satellites, often numbering in the thousands, that work together to provide global services like internet or imaging. By operating in low Earth orbit, they can offer lower latency (less delay) compared to traditional geostationary satellites.
A Multi-Provider Launch Strategy
To deploy its massive constellation, Amazon has secured contracts with multiple launch providers. This diversified strategy helps ensure a steady and reliable launch cadence, reducing dependence on any single company or rocket.
Amazon's launch partners for Project Kuiper include a mix of established and new-generation rocket companies. The list of vehicles contracted to launch Kuiper satellites is extensive:
- United Launch Alliance: Atlas V and the newer Vulcan Centaur
- SpaceX: Falcon 9
- Arianespace: Ariane 6
- Blue Origin: New Glenn
This approach highlights the growing commercial launch market and the massive demand created by satellite megaconstellations. In total, Amazon has booked more than 80 launches across these providers to build out its network.
Post-Launch Operations and Orbit Raising
If the launch proceeds as planned, the Atlas V's Centaur upper stage will deploy the 27 satellites into an initial orbit at an altitude of 280 miles (450 kilometers). Once the satellites are released, control will be transferred to Amazon's mission operations team.
According to a statement from Amazon, the ground team will manage the next phase of the mission from its control center in Redmond, Washington.
"The Project Kuiper team will take over command of the mission from our 24/7 mission operations center in Redmond, Washington, confirm satellite health and ultimately raise the satellites to their assigned orbit of 392 miles (630 km) above Earth."
This process, known as orbit raising, involves using the satellites' own onboard propulsion systems to gradually climb to their final operational altitude. At 392 miles (630 km), the satellites will be positioned to begin providing internet service as part of the larger network. Each satellite undergoes a series of health checks and system verifications before it is integrated into the active constellation.