Amazon begun deploying its Kuiper broadband internet constellation, launching its first 27 satellites from Space Launch Complex-41 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. A low-earth-orbit (LEO) satellite constellation designed to deliver global internet access to rival SpaceX’s Starlink service, Kuiper’s first communications satellites were launched using an Atlas V rocket following a weather-related delay. With this mission, dubbed KA-01, the satellites have been deployed to a provisional altitude of 450km above the Earth’s surface.
Announced in 2019, Project Kuiper is a $10bn initiative aimed at delivering global broadband internet access targeting a diverse clientele, including consumers, businesses, and government entities. The project plans to establish a constellation of 3,236 satellites in LEO. Upon successful separation from the Atlas V rocket, each satellite is programmed to autonomously activate its onboard systems and gradually ascend to its designated orbital altitude of 630km using electric propulsion technology.
The Kuiper satellite launch was the heaviest payload yet for the Atlas V rocket, which required five solid rocket boosters and an extended payload fairing measuring 23.5 meters in height and 5 meters in width to accommodate the units. The mission transfers control from ULA’s Advanced Spaceflight Operations Centre at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station to Amazon’s mission operations centre located in Redmond, Washington. Here, Amazon’s team will oversee the Kuiper constellation’s operations as it becomes fully functional.
Once operational, each satellite is expected to orbit Earth approximately every 90 minutes at speeds exceeding 27,000 kph. Amazon and ULA have scheduled seven additional launches employing the Atlas V rocket and plan for another 38 using the latter’s Vulcan Centaur rocket. Further launch capacities are expected to be fulfilled by Arianespace, Blue Origin, and SpaceX under existing agreements.
Overcoming early setbacks due to weather delays
“This launch marks the first step towards the future of our partnership and increased launch cadence,” said ULA president and CEO Tory Bruno. “We have been steadily modifying our launch facilities in Cape Canaveral to support the capacity for future Project Kuiper missions in a manner that will ultimately benefit both our commercial and government customers as we endeavour to save lives, explore the universe and connect the world. The addition of a second launch processing capability allows for dual, simultaneous launch processing between both integration facilities seamlessly.”
The KA-01 mission faced early setbacks when a launch attempt on 9 April was postponed due to adverse weather conditions. ULA officials cited violations of launch weather rules caused by thick cumulus clouds and rain near the launch pad. Caleb Weiss, ULA launch commentator, confirmed during a livestream that unfavourable conditions necessitated postponement while coordinating with US Space Force Space Launch Delta 45 for rescheduling.
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