Amazon launches second batch of Kuiper satellites, increasing competition with Starlink (video)
Amazon company carried out the successful launch of the second batch of Kuiper satellites into low Earth orbit, continuing the project to create a large-scale satellite network and increasing competition with SpaceX’s Starlink system.
The Atlas V rocket launched by United Launch Alliance carried 27 Kuiper satellites into space. The launch took place from the US Space Force base in Florida and was broadcast live. The launch was postponed several times: first due to adverse weather conditions, and then due to technical malfunctions of the accelerator unit.
Project Kuiper, which Amazon presented six years ago, involves the creation of a satellite constellation to provide Internet coverage from orbit. The company aims to compete with Starlink, which currently leads the industry with more than 8,000 active satellites.
It will be recalled that in April of this year, Amazon already launched the first 27 Kuiper satellites into orbit. Currently, 54 such devices are orbiting the Earth. The total number of satellites in the network should reach 3236 units. According to FCC requirements, Amazon must deploy at least half of that array — 1,618 satellites — by July 2026.
To implement the plan, the company concluded more than 80 launch contracts with various operators, including its main competitor SpaceX.
