Amazon and SpaceX Launch 24 More Kuiper Satellites – The Race for Global Internet Heats Up

Amazon and SpaceX have successfully launched another batch of 24 Kuiper internet satellites, expanding Amazon’s satellite broadband constellation. The satellites were sent into orbit aboard a Falcon 9 rocket, which lifted off from Florida’s Cape Canaveral. The mission, labeled KF-01, is part of a three-launch agreement signed by the two companies in December 2023—despite being direct competitors. This 27-minute mission deployed the satellites into low Earth orbit at 465 km, after which Amazon’s Kuiper operations team in Redmond, Washington, took over to begin status checks. The satellites will later be moved to their designated altitude of about 630 km.

The End Goal? Over 3,200 Satellites Today’s deployment brings the total number of launched Kuiper satellites to 78, but that’s just the beginning. Amazon plans over 80 missions to place a total of more than 3,200 satellites into orbit. The first two launches took place in April and June, both using rockets from United Launch Alliance (ULA), each carrying 27 satellites. All deployments were successful and are now operational. Gary Wentz, VP at ULA, highlighted the importance of this partnership, noting that it helps bridge the “digital divide” and provide connectivity to underserved regions. He added that ULA will deliver nearly half of the Kuiper satellites.

Advanced Tech and Big Ambitions Rajeev Badyal, VP of Project Kuiper, described the newly launched satellites as “the most advanced ever built.” He emphasized that every mission increases coverage and network capacity. While the team has done extensive testing, Badyal acknowledged that some things can only be learned through real-world deployment. “This is just the beginning,” said Badyal. “We’re learning, adapting, and ready to evolve with each mission.”

What’s Next? Amazon isn’t slowing down. The company plans seven more launches with the Atlas V and about 38 missions using the Vulcan Centaur rocket. Other launches will be handled by partners like Blue Origin, Arianespace, and even competitor SpaceX, which is currently supporting Amazon’s efforts. With each successful mission, Project Kuiper becomes more real, positioning Amazon as a serious contender in the satellite internet space—either side by side with or in competition with Elon Musk’s Starlink.

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