Amazon’s satellite internet project, Project Kuiper, reached a significant milestone on Monday, April 28, with the successful launch of its KA-01 mission aboard a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket. The mission took off from Cape Canaveral, Florida, deploying 27 satellites into low Earth orbit.
Amazon has confirmed that it has established contact with all 27 satellites, and that early deployment and activation sequences are proceeding smoothly. This launch marks the first full batch of operational satellites in Amazon’s ambitious plan to develop a global broadband network, positioning itself as a potential competitor to SpaceX’s Starlink service.
While Starlink has already deployed thousands of satellites and provided global service, Amazon is now entering the competition with its own network of over 3,200 low Earth orbit satellites. These satellites are designed to deliver high-speed, low-latency internet access to underserved and remote communities worldwide.
The KA-01 satellites represent a significant advancement from the two prototypes Amazon tested in 2023. They feature upgraded phased-array antennas, custom processors, and optical inter-satellite links, as well as a special coating to reduce their visibility in the night sky—a common critique of Starlink’s satellite constellation.
Now in orbit, the satellites are utilizing electric propulsion to ascend from their deployment altitude of 450 km to a final orbit of 630 km. Once in position, they will commence testing full end-to-end connectivity, transmitting data from the ground to space and back through user terminals.
Amazon has revealed that this launch is just the beginning of its plans for Project Kuiper. The company has secured over 80 launches with ULA, Blue Origin, Arianespace, and even SpaceX itself to deploy its complete network. Additionally, Amazon has announced that the next mission, KA-02, is already in the works.
Service for Project Kuiper is anticipated to commence later this year as Amazon accelerates production and solidifies its position as a major player in the satellite internet market—a domain currently dominated by Starlink. With its innovative technology and ambitious plans, Amazon’s Project Kuiper is poised to revolutionize global internet connectivity and provide access to remote communities worldwide.