The launch took place at 6:54 am EDT (10:54 UTC) this Monday after encountering a minor setback last week. The initial countdown had to be delayed due to a small issue with the rocket’s RD-180 main engine, which has now been resolved, allowing the launch team to proceed as planned.
On Monday morning, spectators witnessed an Atlas V rocket soaring into the sky from Cape Canaveral, Florida, deploying Amazon’s satellites into an orbit around 280 miles (450 kilometers) above Earth’s surface. These satellites are part of Amazon’s ambitious Project Kuiper, intended to compete with SpaceX’s Starlink initiative.
In an exciting confirmation, Amazon and ULA announced the launch’s success, marking a total of 54 Kuiper satellites actively operating in space.
The journey of Project Kuiper has been nothing short of remarkable, with three successful launches and ambitions of establishing a network of 3,232 satellites in low-Earth orbit, providing global coverage.
- With the confidence of a seasoned professional, the rocket lifted off from Cape Canaveral, propelled by five reliable solid-fuel boosters. Racing towards the northeast above the Atlantic Ocean, the rocket shed various components
- booster casings, fairing, and first stage
- within the initial five minutes of the journey. Subsequently, the Centaur upper stage efficiently placed the 27 satellites into their designated orbit.
