The Amazon Project Kuiper satellite launch has officially begun, marking a major step in Amazon’s long-delayed effort to build a global satellite internet network. On Monday, 27 satellites were successfully launched into low-Earth orbit from Florida, setting the stage for Amazon to compete directly with SpaceX’s Starlink.
These are the first of 3,236 satellites Amazon plans to deploy for Project Kuiper, a $10 billion initiative introduced in 2019. The system aims to provide broadband access to underserved regions, including rural areas where traditional infrastructure remains weak.
Launch Details and Timeline
The satellites lifted off at 7 p.m. EDT from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. They rode atop an Atlas V rocket, provided by United Launch Alliance (ULA)—a joint venture between Boeing and Lockheed Martin. The launch had originally been scheduled for April 9 but was delayed due to bad weather.
Amazon expects to confirm communication with all 27 satellites within hours or days via its mission control center in Redmond, Washington. If all goes as planned, the company aims to begin limited service by the end of 2025.
Market Entry with a Late Start
Although Amazon has entered the space broadband race later than SpaceX, it plans to leverage its existing cloud infrastructure and consumer ecosystem as strategic advantages. Amazon executives believe that integration with services like AWS will set Kuiper apart in a crowded market.
The company also faces a regulatory deadline. The U.S. Federal Communications Commission requires Amazon to deploy at least 1,618 satellites—half of the total constellation—by mid-2026. Due to delays, analysts predict Amazon may request an extension.
Future Launch Plans and Coverage Goals
ULA could carry out up to five additional Kuiper launches this year. Amazon’s 2020 FCC filing revealed that coverage could begin with as few as 578 satellites, offering initial service to parts of the northern and southern hemispheres. Coverage would then expand toward the equator as more satellites reach orbit.
Project Kuiper’s ambitions put it in direct competition not just with Starlink, but also with terrestrial telecom providers like AT&T and T-Mobile. Yet Amazon views its foray into space as one of its boldest bets to date.
The Amazon Project Kuiper satellite launch signals a new phase in global broadband infrastructure. As the company moves to scale its constellation, rural and remote communities may soon see faster, more reliable internet—driven from space.
