FAMAGUSTA GAZETTE – Amazon successfully launched the first batch of satellites for its “Project Kuiper” on Monday, marking a significant milestone in its mission to expand global broadband access.
The satellites were carried aboard a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket, which lifted off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at 7:01 p.m. Eastern Time.
The mission, codenamed “KA-01,” deployed 27 satellites into low Earth orbit at an altitude of 450 kilometers. This launch is part of Amazon’s ambitious plan to establish a constellation of over 3,000 satellites, designed to deliver high-speed, low-latency internet to underserved communities worldwide.
ULA confirmed the successful staging of the rocket, with the Centaur second stage systems performing well as it powered toward orbit. Originally scheduled for April 9, the launch was delayed due to weather concerns.
This marks the beginning of Amazon’s efforts to compete in the satellite internet market, joining other players like SpaceX’s Starlink. The company aims to accelerate launches in the coming years to build out its network.