Amazon has altered its plans for launching its first set of prototype internet satellites to prevent further delays in their deployment.
The company intends to launch these satellites, which are part of its Kuiper program aiming to provide global internet coverage from space, on a dedicated Atlas V rocket from the United Launch Alliance (ULA), a joint venture between Boeing and Lockheed.
The launch is scheduled for September 26. Initially, Amazon had planned to use ULA’s new Vulcan rocket for the launch, but Vulcan faced testing challenges that pushed its launch date to the fourth quarter of 2023.
To meet regulatory deadlines and deploy half of its planned 3,200 satellites by 2026, Amazon decided to switch rockets once again.
The move is part of Amazon’s effort to compete with SpaceX’s Starlink network by investing $10 billion into its satellite internet initiative.
Amazon secured 83 launches for deploying its satellites, with nine of them utilizing the Atlas V rocket, which has a proven track record in space missions.
The Atlas V rocket has been ULA’s workhorse launcher, involved in launching satellites for various purposes, including multibillion dollar science missions for NASA and critical national security missions for the Pentagon. ULA had discontinued the sale of the Atlas V in 2021 and has 19 more missions planned before the rocket’s retirement.
This particular launch planned for September remains uncertain if it’s included in the nine that Amazon had previously procured.
The decision showcases Amazon’s determination to establish itself in the satellite internet market, pledging significant investment to rival established networks.
As Amazon navigates through these changes, it aims to stay competitive in this fast-evolving sector while addressing the challenges and opportunities of satellite-based internet coverage.
