The first Amazon Kuiper internet satellites will soon be launched by the United Launch Alliance (ULA).
The giant e-commerce decides to switch to ULA since ABL Space Systems' rock is still incomplete.
Recently, Amazon said that its Kuipersat-1 and Kuipersat-2 will be carried by the RS1 rocket.
Before delays happened, Amazon was expecting RS1 to send its first internet satellites to outer space in late 2022.
But, ABL's spacecraft still hasn't debuted yet. Because of this, the e-commerce giant had to switch to ULA's Vulcan rocket.
First Amazon Kuiper Internet Satellites to be Launched by ULA!
According to The Washington Post's latest report, Amazon announced on Wednesday, Oct. 12, that it will hitch a ride on the ULA's new Vulcan rocket.
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The e-commerce giant already contracted the American spacecraft launch service provider for a total of 47 launches.
"It's absolutely a critical program for the company," said Project Kuiper Vice President Rajeev Badyal.
He added that billions of people across the globe still have unreliable broadband connections.
The official further explained that it is important for unserved and underserved areas to have proper internet services.
Expected Launch Date and More
CNBC reported that ULA's Vulcan rocket is expected to launch Amazon's first two Kuiper internet satellites as early as Q1 2023.
But, this is still uncertain since the United Launch Alliance is waiting for the BE-4 engines, which are being built by Blue Origin.
On the other hand, the American space launch service company is also waiting for Astrobotic's Peregrine lunar lander, one of the spacecraft booked on the flight.
Once ULA successfully sent Amazon's Kuiper satellites to outer space, the e-commerce can start completing its artificial sat constellation, which will consist of around 3,236 internet satellites.
Project Kuiper will compete with SpaceX's Starlink broadband service. You can click here to see further details about Amazon's upcoming satellite internet service.
Recently, CAPSTONE's team was able to stop the spacecraft from spinning.
We also reported that the SpaceX Starlink terminals may soon use cell towers to provide internet uplinks in Ukraine.
For more news updates about Project Kuiper and other new internet services, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.
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Written by Griffin Davis
