Amazon is reportedly gearing up for the launch of its inaugural pair of prototype internet satellites, with a notable change in the choice of the rocket to circumvent potential launch delays. An Amazon spokesperson shared that these satellites will now be sent into orbit using an alternate rocket, deviating from the original plan.
These two satellites hold significant importance within Amazon’s ambitious Kuiper program, designed to establish global internet coverage from space. The spokesperson, James Watkins, confirmed that the deployment of these satellites will be facilitated by a dedicated Atlas V rocket, developed by United Launch Alliance (ULA), a joint venture between Boeing and Lockheed. The scheduled launch date has been marked for September 26.
This alteration in the choice of rocket arose due to Amazon’s initial intention to use rockets developed by the startup ABL Space. To steer clear of potential delays in ABL’s rocket development, Amazon decided in 2022 to transition to ULA’s new Vulcan rocket for the satellite launch.
Under pressure to meet a regulatory deadline of 2026 to deploy half of the planned 3,200 satellites for its Kuiper internet network, Amazon was prompted to switch to a different launch option due to Vulcan rocket-related delays.
