Washington, USA – Amazon took a major step into the competitive world of satellite internet on Monday, successfully deploying 27 satellites from its ambitious Project Kuiper — part of a planned constellation of over 3,236 satellites in low Earth orbit. The mission was carried out by United Launch Alliance (ULA) using its Atlas V rocket, lifting off from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
AfricaHeadline Reports Team
editorial@africaheadline.com
This marks the company’s first operational launch following the deployment of two prototype satellites in October 2023, also via an Atlas V. The satellites are equipped with upgraded systems and a special mirror-coated surfacedesigned to reduce reflectivity and minimize disruption to astronomical observations — a growing concern among the scientific community.
Valued at over $10 billion, Project Kuiper aims to deliver high-speed, affordable broadband to underserved regions across the globe. Amazon has already secured over 90 rocket launches from partners such as ULA, Blue Origin (also founded by Jeff Bezos), and Arianespace, with the goal of deploying the full satellite constellation by the early 2030s.
“There are some things you can only learn in flight,” said Rajeev Badyal, vice president of Project Kuiper.
“No matter how the mission unfolds, this is just the start of our journey.”
Badyal highlighted that while ground testing was extensive, real-world deployment provides critical data for system optimization.
Amazon’s move intensifies competition with SpaceX, which has launched over 8,000 Starlink satellites since 2019, more than 7,200 of which remain in active orbit at around 550 km altitude. The company completed its 250th Starlink launch just a day before Amazon’s mission.
Meanwhile, OneWeb, backed by the UK and India, has deployed 648 satellites into medium Earth orbit, targeting enterprise and government users.
Kuiper’s satellites will orbit at approximately 630 kilometers (about 400 miles) above Earth, slightly higher than Starlink’s, which could impact latency and collision risk. With over 10,000 active objects now crowding low Earth orbit, experts warn that the risks of orbital congestion and satellite collisions are mounting.
Amazon aims to begin consumer trials by late 2025, with full-scale commercial service expected in 2026. The company has already invested over $1.2 billion in terrestrial infrastructure, including ground stations and user terminals.
Monday’s launch had been delayed from earlier this month due to adverse weather conditions, and was rescheduled after securing a new launch window in a crowded manifest.
By launching this first operational batch, Amazon signals its serious long-term commitment to the global connectivity race — where space has become the new frontier for digital access, commercial supremacy, and geopolitical strategy in the 21st century.
