Amazon has launched the second batch of vehicles for its new Kuiper satellite internet system into orbit. It is intended to compete with SpaceX’s Starlink.
Amazon first announced its intention to create a satellite constellation designed to provide global broadband internet access in 2019. It has been named Project Kuiper. In its initial configuration, the constellation will consist of 3,226 vehicles. It may be expanded in the future by adding new satellites.
The first two Kuiper satellite prototypes were launched into space back in 2023. The experience gained during their operation was used in the creation of serial units, which are to form the backbone of the system. They were also covered with a special dielectric mirror film. It scatters reflected sunlight, which should make them less visible to astronomers, who are actively opposed to the rapidly growing constellations of low-orbit satellites, claiming that they interfere with observations.
The start of the Kuiper deployment was postponed several times. Ultimately, the first batch of 27 vehicles was launched on April 28, 2025. The second batch of Kuiper vehicles was launched into space on June 23. The Atlas V rocket was again used for the mission. It successfully launched them into a 450-kilometer orbit. Next, they’ll use their own engines to get into a working 630-kilometer orbit.
This is only the first step toward building the Kuiper system. Over the next few years, there will be six more Atlas V launches and 38 launches on the Vulcan Centaur rocket. Another 30 or so launches are planned using Ariane 6, New Glenn, and Falcon 9 rockets. The total value of launch contracts for the deployment of Kuiper vehicles exceeds $10 billion.
You can also read our article about the largest satellite systems and how they work.
