Amazon Kuiper Prototype Satellite Launched Aboard ULA’s Atlas V —76 Launches to Go

The satellite internet industry is now seeing another player in the market, as Amazon launched its Project Kuiper, its take on this off-world connection to beam down its signal for future users. It went aboard United Launch Alliance's Atlas V rocket which launched last Friday, October 6, from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida for the payload drop.

In this launch, there are only two satellites that Amazon brought to orbit, with 76 rocket launches more to go in the future to complete its constellation.

Amazon Kuiper Satellite Launches Aboard ULA's Atlas V

The first two satellites for Amazon's Project Kuiper are already in the Earth's orbit now, following its launch earlier this Friday, October 6, aboard the ULA Atlas V rocket which delivered it to its location. Here, the satellite would serve to be tested by the company, with its initial operations soon kickstarting the massive plans of venturing into the off-world internet service.

The project is known to be a $10 billion mega constellation program from Amazon, with its first two satellites marking a historical moment for the company.

Amazon's Kuiper launch is the third company with its satellite already in orbit for its future internet service, following that of SpaceX's Starlink and OneWeb.

76 More Rocket Launches to Go for Amazon

In this launch, the first two rockets made their way to orbit, and more are expected to come in the future. As per Ars' report, there are at least 77 rocket launches expected between Amazon and ULA for its Project Kuiper, with 76 more to go in the future.

Amazon plans a massive fleet of 3,200 satellites to rival that of Starlink's current operations, also known for its massive presence in the Earth's orbit.

Satellite Internet and its Future

Satellite internet is still an untapped market in today's age, and while there are massive companies already on the rise to deliver these off-world connections, it is not yet seeing its target numbers and goals for the initiative. Elon Musk's SpaceX Starlink is the top service now, but it was only able to garner 1 million subscribers for the service despite its goal of 22 million.

Earlier this year, Amazon finally revealed the first look at its Project Kuiper, revealing the three terminals which will soon be available to purchase, with the company, soon offering the service. While Amazon did not reveal an exact release date or availability of its service, the company said that it is coming soon, hinting at its launch and setup of the satellite internet.

Until now, the Amazon satellite internet program is called "Project Kuiper," with the company yet to confirm a name for the future service like with SpaceX's Starlink. The orbital launch took place last Friday over at Cape Canaveral, with Amazon partnering with ULA to bring its first two satellites, with more rocket launches to expect in the near future.