Amazon's Project Kuiper set to launch satellites in late April 2025

Amazon's Project Kuiper, a satellite internet initiative, is scheduled to launch its first satellites on April 28, 2025. The launch, using an Atlas V 551 rocket, aims to deploy the initial satellites for a constellation designed to provide global internet access. This marks a significant step in Amazon's effort to compete with SpaceX's Starlink. The launch window opens at 7 p.m. EDT from Cape Canaveral, Florida. The project aims to place 27 satellites into low Earth orbit, initially at 450 kilometers, before ascending to 630 kilometers. Amazon plans to build a network of 3,200 satellites, rivaling Starlink's existing constellation of over 6,750 satellites. Project Kuiper began in 2018, with the FCC granting Amazon permission to deploy the satellites in 2020. After successful prototype deployments in 2023, this launch represents the first official deployment phase. The initiative seeks to provide internet connectivity to underserved areas worldwide.