Amazon Ready to Launch Kuiper, Its Starlink Rival
Amazon is officially entering the space internet race. The tech giant is preparing to launch its first operational batch of 27 satellites under Project Kuiper, its ambitious initiative to provide high-speed, low-latency internet from space. The launch, scheduled for 12 PM ET on Wednesday, April 9, will take place aboard an Atlas V rocket at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
Codenamed KA-01 (short for Kuiper Atlas 1), the mission marks a pivotal moment for Amazon as it begins deploying what will eventually become a constellation of over 3,200 low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. These satellites will orbit the Earth at 392 miles (630 km) above the surface, traveling at 17,000 mph and completing an orbit in roughly 90 minutes.
Project Kuiper aims to compete directly with Elon Musk’s Starlink, which already has over 7,000 satellites in orbit. Amazon has secured 80 launch missions from various partners — including Arianespace, Blue Origin, and SpaceX — to deliver dozens of Kuiper satellites per flight over the coming years.
Global Internet Coverage Later This Year
Amazon expects to begin offering Kuiper internet service later this year. The goal is global connectivity, reaching users in even the most remote corners of the planet. Customers will connect through a range of terminal antennas designed for different use cases — from mobile to residential to enterprise.
The smallest terminal, just seven inches wide and weighing one pound, will offer speeds up to 100 Mbps, positioned to rival Starlink Mini. Larger terminals for homes and businesses will support speeds up to 1 Gbps. Amazon says it can manufacture these terminals for under $400, with possible subsidies to lower the cost for customers.
A Launch of Firsts
While Amazon previously launched two prototype satellites, the KA-01 mission represents the debut of its final production design. It’s also the first time such a large number of Kuiper satellites will be deployed in one mission, adding a layer of complexity and risk.
“We’ve done extensive testing on the ground to prepare for this first mission, but there are some things you can only learn in flight,” said Rajeev Badyal, VP of Project Kuiper. “No matter how the mission unfolds, this is just the start of our journey.”
To minimize the visual impact on astronomy, Amazon says these satellites are coated in a custom "dielectric mirror film" that scatters sunlight, making them less visible to telescopes on Earth — a nod to growing concerns from the scientific community about satellite interference.
As Amazon gears up to challenge SpaceX in the battle for space-based internet dominance, all eyes are on this inaugural launch — a crucial step in turning Project Kuiper’s vision into reality.
