United Launch Alliance's (ULA) Atlas V rocket is set to launch the first 27 satellites of Amazon's Project Kuiper communication constellation into space. The Atlas V, while no longer available for new contracts, has 15 remaining missions scheduled: 8 for Project Kuiper, 6 for Boeing’s Starliner, and 1 for ViaSat. It will eventually be succeeded by the Vulcan Centaur.
The Atlas V in its 551 configuration features a 5.4-meter diameter fairing, 5 solid rocket boosters (SRBs), and a single-engine Centaur second stage. This setup provides a payload capacity of up to 18.8 tons to low-Earth orbit (LEO). A single launch in this configuration starts at approximately $153 million.
For more on the Atlas V’s history, check out Scott Manley’s video: How The Atlas Rocket Evolved Over 60 Years.
Project Kuiper Overview
Project Kuiper aims to deploy a satellite network in low Earth orbit, with two prototypes already launched in October 2023. This mission marks the first operational batch, targeting a 630 km orbit.
Learn more about its optical mesh network: Project Kuiper's optical mesh network in low Earth orbit.
ULA provides a detailed look at the flight path: Atlas V Flight Path: Lifting Project Kuiper from Earth to LEO.
As a direct competitor to SpaceX’s Starlink, Project Kuiper faced delays due to Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket not being ready. Future launches are planned on SpaceX’s Falcon 9, Arianespace’s Ariane, and Vulcan rockets. Notably, the Atlas V will carry 27 satellites in this mission, while Falcon 9 launches are expected to carry around 20.
Livestream
- Watch the launch live: ULA Broadcast: Atlas V Kuiper 1
- Everyday Astronaut: Watch The FIRST Batch of Amazon Kuiper Satellites Launch!
Additional Resources
- Take a virtual tour of the launch site: Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida
- Explore Atlas V’s legacy: Atlas History