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2w ago

Atlas V Launch Brings Kuiper Fleet to 54 Satellites

The June 23 mission helps Amazon move toward its FCC-mandated target of deploying half its 3,200-satellite constellation by July 2026.

A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket lifts off from Space Launch Complex-41 on June 23 at 6:54 a.m. EDT carrying the Kuiper 2 mission for Amazon's Project Kuiper broadband satellite constellation. Photo Credit: United Launch Alliance
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A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket sits on Space Launch Complex 41 (SLC-41) at Cape Canaveral at sunset on Saturday. The Atlas V will launch the Kuiper 2 mission for Amazon's Project Kuiper broadband satellite constellation targeting Monday liftoff. (Courtesy/ULA)
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Overview

  • On June 23, a ULA Atlas V rocket lifted off from Cape Canaveral carrying 27 Project Kuiper satellites, marking the program’s second operational launch.
  • With 54 satellites now in orbit, Amazon must deploy 1,618 total by July 2026 under its FCC license, leaving 1,564 to be launched.
  • Amazon has booked more than 80 launches with ULA, Arianespace, Blue Origin and SpaceX to build out its more than 3,200-satellite broadband network.
  • Amazon committed $2 billion to support ULA’s expanded manufacturing and launch capacity, including a second Vertical Integration Facility at Cape Canaveral.
  • The deployment pace hinges on new launch vehicles—Vulcan, Ariane 6 and New Glenn—which face certification delays but promise higher satellite capacity per flight.