Amazon initiated Project Kuiper to deliver internet access to remote and underserved regions worldwide. On April 28, 2025, United Launch Alliance successfully launched 27 satellites into orbit. These satellites represent the first major deployment of Amazon’s planned constellation, which will include over 3,200 satellites. They travel at low Earth orbits between 280 and 392 miles above Earth. The project positions Amazon as a direct competitor to SpaceX’s Starlink, which already operates thousands of satellites providing global internet coverage. Amazon’s satellites transmit internet signals to ground receivers.

“While this is the first step in a much longer journey to launch the rest of our low Earth orbit constellation,” Amazon’ CEO A’s chief executive Andy Jassy posted to X, “it represents an incredible amount of invention and hard work.” United Launch Alliance’s chief executive Tory Bruno said that the launch “marks the first step towards the future of our partnership and increased launch cadence,” The New York Times reports (unpaywalled copy). However, future Kuiper launches could use Blue Origin’s rockets.

Project Objectives and Operational Challenges

Amazon aims to bridge the digital divide by connecting rural areas, disaster-stricken zones, and developing regions with limited internet infrastructure. The company plans additional launches to build its constellation rapidly. A regulatory deadline requires Amazon to deploy half of its satellites by July 2026 to maintain its orbital permissions. An earlier launch attempt on April 9 faced delays due to adverse weather conditions, highlighting the challenges of precise launch schedules. Amazon relies on rockets from United Launch Alliance to place its satellites in orbit.

The 27 satellites launched are performing as expected, communicating with ground stations to test connectivity. Amazon targets the start of commercial internet service by late 2025, pending further deployments. The project also involves developing affordable user terminals. Amazon faces competition not only from Starlink but also from other satellite internet providers like OneWeb. The successful launch marks a critical step toward Amazon’s goal of global internet coverage, though scaling the constellation and meeting deadlines remain significant hurdles.

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